Moving my chickens to a dog run area, any tips on how to treat the yard/soil ??

[LIH3]

I am moving my three chickens to an area of yard that our dog has used for his dog run for years. I have already had to treat my chickens for worms when I bought them as hens and have since had to re-treat one for tapeworm. I'm afraid that the dog's yard could have who knows what in the soil and wonder what I can do to treat it so that when I move the chickens over, I know the ground will be clean and hopefully parasite free as I can get it.

Does anyone have any ideas???

 

[cameronfarm]

Is it dirt or grass in the run? If I swap chickens in coops I flame the ground first just to be safe.

 

[LIH3]

It is part grass and part dirt from him running little trails. That sounds like a great idea. Do you think that kind of heat would kill anything below the surface of the dirt?

 

[cameronfarm]

It is part grass and part dirt from him running little trails. That sounds like a great idea. Do you think that kind of heat would kill anything below the surface of the dirt?

Honestly not sure on the penetration depth, I think that would depend on how long you heat each section. If you are really worried about it you could torch, till, then torch again. I have not had that kind of trouble with worms so I have never had to go that indepth. You local extensions office may have some suggestions as well.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Flames and heat would not penetrate more than a MM or two if that deep. Besides it would be very costly to burn enough fuel to do any good. How about treating the soil heavely with slacked lime to sweeten it up, then turn or roto-till it. There are few worm eggs in dirt that can survive if you treat the dirt with dry slacked lime, till it in well and then wet the soil deeply or wait for a heavy rain. You'll get much much deeper penetration.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Chickens won't get parasites from dogs

 

[LIH3]

Thanks for the help! I just wanted to do something to feel better about putting them over there. That area just seams a little gross knowing my dog has peed and pooped on it for years. I think I've decided to do a little grunt work and remove the top layer of grass a few inches down and treat with lime then put sod down. Its a 8'x30' section so not too bad. That will make me feel like I'm giving them a nice clean start! Thanks again for the advice!