Question about good winter boots for taking care of our fluff balls in the back

[Compostflower]

Hi everyone,
Intro: i live in a somewhat rural area and we have a large yard. The walk to the chicken/duck house in the winter can be very dangerous when there is alot of snow and ice on the ground. I cant salt the way there because of the danger it could pose to my mixed flock of chickens and ducks and it will also disturb the grass. The ducks especially are my little children and so i like to spend time with them outside in the winter as well and let them run around for a bit so they arent "cooped" up.

This brings me to my question for all of you seasoned people taking care of your bird babies in cold climates what are some good tips you suggest and good winter boots? The way to the house is completely grass and its a bit of a walk in the winter time. I do not want to use any harsh chemicals or products and i already try to shovel the snow as soon as it lands but sometimes the ice is inevitable.
Thank you!

 

[STACEYH]

How much snow do you get? We don't get a lot here so far me I wear duck boots.

 

[MTKitty]

I have a pair of Muck boots that come to just below my knee for snow or the muddy mess that follows when it melts.

 

[MTKitty]

If ice is a concern for you, there are crampon gadgets you can strap onto your shoes that are designed for walking on ice. You can find them by searching for “crampons” or “ice cleats.” You might also find them in hiking or camping supply stores.

 

[aart]

i already try to shovel the snow as soon as it lands but sometimes the ice is inevitable.

This is what I do and I use sand in a shaker jar when it gets slippery for traction.
Mowing the path down very short before first snow fall can ease the shoveling chore.
I wear fairly smooth soled boots so the treads don't get packed with poop.
Spikes might work great for walking to the coop,
but could wreak havoc walking in the coop.

 

[3KillerBs]

I have a pair of Muck boots that come to just below my knee for snow or the muddy mess that follows when it melts.

I don't get much winter, but my muck boots are warm with a pair of wool socks.

IIRC, it's possible to get muck boots with warm winter liners.

 

[Compostflower]

How much snow do you get? We don't get a lot here so far me I wear duck boots.

We get a few inches sometimes more if it’s bad. January, February and December are the worst and the ice is the largest concern for me. I have a pair of duck boots from ll bean and they were good but not enough for me to feel completely safe walking out. But the ducks don’t seem to mind.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I have pretty decently insulated Bogs boots, with tall shanks, and the bottoms have decent enough treads for walking on, but when it's icy it's going to be slippery no matter how good the treads are.

I'm super sensitive to cold in my extremities so I have to value keeping warm as top priority, even though we don't get extreme cold here.

 

[Folly's place]

I use the tall Muck boots, right now the all season ones, and they keep me warm in freezing weather. For ice, I have crampons on them. Make sure to get the crampons with the strap over your foot, because the plainer ones will come off out there.
Muck brand boots are the most comfortable available, and will last for at least several years.
Mary

 

[aart]

For ice, I have crampons on them.

@Folly's place do you take the crampons off when you get indie the coop?