WaltWalt Disney’s Bambi provided us with a nearly first hand view of the difficulties many animals can experience negotiating balance on ice. It is important for us to avoid these difficulties when and where we can. Sand provides traction, grittness causes the ice surface to become rough and physically provides a more stable surface for “grip.” The sand remains where it is placed and is natural to our environment. If covered – not too deeply – most floras will push through it in the spring.
Salt is used for melting the ice. It lowers the temperature point at which water will freeze. The components of salt make it harder for water molecules to join together and form crystals. Unlike sand, salt is not long lasting. As the ice melts, it begins to dilute the salt. It is well known that salt corrodes our cars and roadways. Thus it follows that salt is not particularly good for our environment. Salt will often kill flora and that would include our pasture grasses. It can also be quite harsh on the soft pads of the alpaca foot.
Suggestions have included such products as “Floor Dry” sold at auto stores, granular fertilizers and other chemical and/or oil based products. While these products can be effective, it is most important to consider their risk in relation to our animals and the environment.
There is a product available that is said to be safe for animals called “Safe Paws”. While fairly expensive, it is said to be safe for animals, humans and the environment. Developed by a chemical engineer, the components in “Safe Paws” immediately go to work in destabilizing and melting the ice. For more information, go to: http://www.safepaw.com/
Some folks spread straw, clay kitty litter, barn lime or ashes over the ice for better traction. What ever we choose to use, it is important to be mindful of the longer-term effects on both our animals and the environment.
Let me know what works for you!
