Traction on ice

[15WildTurkey]

We are coated in a couple inches of snow and ice thanks to a recent storm. The chickens do fine, I have a heated water bucket. Buuuuut I also have ducks. And they are adept at turning the whole area into an ice rink. What does anyone use for traction around water bowls?
I was thinking non clumping kitty litter but then I figured they would eat it and that’s not good. Sand? My one duck is still shaky on her feet after a recent issue with her legs. (B vits etc)
Ild love some solutions y’all have used. Thanks

 

[azygous]

You need a non-toxic substance that will provide non-slip grip on ice. Either sand or wood ash will work. Neither is toxic if ingested as long as no plastics were burned to make the ash and there are no salts in the sand.

 

[aart]

Sand?

Yes!
I use these plastic jars to sprinkle sand around, never have liked using salt.
Friend got them from a bulk store, had herbs in them I think.
Could make one too, just need to drill some holes in the lid.

 

[chickens really]

My husband picks up rock chips from a landscape company.
They definitely work fantastic. I also use straw in a pinch. I've fallen too many times to count..

 

[Mosey2003]

We sell a 1/4" chip where I work and it's marketed as ice control chip, it works great! I'd see if any of your landscape companies sell such a product. Plus, ours is limestone, so if they eat it it just provides some calcium and magnesium as it's slowly ground down in their gizzard.

 

[aart]

We sell a 1/4" chip where I work and it's marketed as ice control chip, it works great! I'd see if any of your landscape companies sell such a product. Plus, ours is limestone, so if they eat it it just provides some calcium and magnesium as it's slowly ground down in their gizzard.

Now that I don't have a dog, that might work here.