Charlottechicken Posted September 9, 2006 Share Posted September 9, 2006 Has anyone tried this product in their chicken drinking water, it is called 'ice free for bird baths'? My mother purchased some for the wild birds in her garden as she has a couple of decent sized bird baths. It appears to be 'natural' and safe for them to drink. Any thoughts? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted September 9, 2006 Share Posted September 9, 2006 Is this it Looks interesting Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I'd like to know what's in it! We always used to put a small amount of glycerine in our water feeders for the donkeys. Seemed to do the trick.... off to investigate..... OK Glycerine seems to be a no no for chickens: RSPB: On no account should any chemical, such as glycerine, anti-freeze or salt, be added to the water, as it could destroy the insulating and waterproofing properties of the feathers and even prove toxic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Been searching: the link above with postage is: £10.90 Its £7.98 from here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted September 10, 2006 Author Share Posted September 10, 2006 Yes L-J, thats the bottle! I know it cost £4.95 and was bought from a company called 'Garden Birds'. I will go round to mothers and find out what is in it. I know it does not contain glycerine or glycerol. Could be interesting if you can use it in chickens' drinking water Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PurpleHen Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I brought this up last year (will try and find the thread) and ended up going ahead and using it. I only put it in when I knew it was particularly cold - and it did seem to do the trick - and my chooks seemed perfectly OK with it edit - found it, here is previous thread: IceGard - safe for chooks? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 So it does contain glycerol. Hmm. Contradictory advice now then! RSPB: No glycerine, this product, perfectly safe, contains glycerol. What exactly is the difference? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 this makes it all clear Glycerol, also well known as glycerin and glycerine, and less commonly as propane-1,2,3-triol, 1,2,3-propanetriol, 1,2,3-trihydroxypropane, glyceritol, and glycyl alcohol is a colorless, odorless, hygroscopic, and sweet-tasting viscous liquid. Glycerol is a sugar alcohol and has three hydrophilic alcoholic hydroxyl groups (-OH) that are responsible for its solubility in water. Glycerol is prochiral. Glycerol is produced from dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) by the enzyme glycerol three-phosphate dehydrogenase (Gpd p) in the mitochondrion of the eukaryotic cell during glycolysis Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 I knew I could rely on you Mel! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 font of all knowledge me Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnieP Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Mel, would you like to summarise the difference, for people who haven't got the time to read your extensive and interesting explanation? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 They are basically the same thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mel (& Paul) Posted September 10, 2006 Share Posted September 10, 2006 Actually, if we arent meant give glycerine to the chooks that's a worry as citracidel contains it Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charlottechicken Posted September 10, 2006 Author Share Posted September 10, 2006 This is the full blurb: Ice Free for Bird Baths Ice Free for Bird Baths is an eco-friendly product which will prevent water in bird baths from freezing so that birds can drink and bathe in cold weather. The formula is based on plant extracts which will prevent freezing without harming birds or other wildlife. Ice Free for Bird Baths provides a simple, safe and economic way to prevent water in bird baths from freezing, rather than having to find ways to thaw or remove ice once it has formed. Birds therefore have access to clean water for drinking and bathing. Can be used in all types of bird baths or water features Does not contain glycerol or glycols 250mls typically treats 1.5 litres Effective to -4 deg C It is available from www.gardenbird.com p+p is £2.50 no matter how big or small the order Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
