210 PROGRESSIVE POULTRY CULTURE 



which means a hedge and hence an enclosed area usually 

 of small size and adjacent to a building. 



Domestic fowl adapt themselves to the conditions in 

 which they find themselves and often thrive wonderfully 

 well under circumstances that are not usually con- 

 sidered altogether favorable. 



When the birds are very much confined they require 

 more attention from the poultry man. 



To save this extra work and care is advisable. There- 

 fore, where practicable, the enclosure should include as 

 many as possible of the naturally favorable conditions 

 of free range or substitutes for the same. 



SIZE OF YARD. If abundant space is available and the 

 expense of fencing is not excessive the yard may well 

 approach the size of a poultry park. 



If, however, the area at disposal is restricted, the 

 yard room may be diminished accordingly. 



The Asiatic breeds of poultry will submit to sman- 

 ness of space more readily than the American varieties. 

 The Mediterraneans, especially the lively Leghorns, re- 

 quire large yards if they are to be kept from becoming 

 discontented. 



Close confinement tends to either uneasiness or 

 moping, both of which conditions are unfavorable to the 

 successful keeping of fowls. Overcrowding the yard 

 tends to conditions of unhealthfulness. 



To keep the yardsi clean and healthful there is noth- 

 ing better than frequent stirring of the soil. 



Fresh turned loam has great powers of absorption 

 and will promptly deodorize the droppings that are cov- 

 ered by it. 



Raking and spading by hand or cultivating by horse 

 power will make a yard very fresh and clean. 



If the ground is kept mellow the fowls will usually 

 do much of the necessary stirring of the soil by scratch- 

 ing. 



iScattering straw, hay, or leaves in the yard and 

 throwing small grains into it will give the birds an 



