254 STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 



of floor space for scratching purposes, while the roosting quarters are 

 aired out in the dav time. 



CURTAINED ROOSTING CHAMBER. 



Formerly a curtain was dropped down in front of the roost to afford 

 a warm roosting chamber, corresponding to the closed roosting quarters 

 in the old type of house. This has gradually fallen into disuse and the 

 builder is advised to try the open roost plan first before going to the 

 expense of a drop curtain. 



SIZE OF PEN. 



The size of pen depends entirely upon the purpose for which it is 

 to be used. The smaller the flock the greater the production that can be 

 expected from each individual and the greater the labor and expense in- 

 curred. F( r special mating, ])cns to accommodate 8 to 20 birds fulfill 

 the requirements, while for laying purposes pens to accommodate 50 are 

 more econ.mical, although as many as 500 to 1,000 are sometimes kept 

 in one pen, a system not to be practiced by the poultry man until he 

 thoroughly understands the business. 



FLOOR SPACE PER BIRD. 



While no definite rule can be made relative to floor space per bird 

 because it depends upon the attention and care exercised, yet in general 

 4 to 5 square feet of floor space is considered a safe estimate of the 

 amount required under ordinary conditions. 



ROOSTS. 



The most desirable roosts are those which combine convenience, sim- 

 plicity and economy. Satisfactory roosts can be made from 2- 

 inch by 2-inch strips for short spans, and 2-inch by 4-inch 

 for longer when the upper corners are rounded and the upper sur- 

 face is grooved to admit oil. Various other materials such as poles 

 can be utilized for this purpose to a good advantage. Koosts should 

 be about one foot apart and one foot from the wall, placed upon a level 

 or nearly so, to prevent crowding on the one higher up and allowing 

 at least eight inches of roosting space per bird. By fastening together 

 and hinging or hooking to the wall, the roosts can be very conveniently 

 handled or they can be laid in sockets or brackets, care being taken 

 to have them firm. Koosts placed as far as possible from the openings 

 in the house tend to prevent drafts reaching the birds. The height from 

 the floor depends upon the breed, varying from two feet high for the 

 heavy breeds to four or even five feet high for the active breeds. 



