152 HOUSING 



work. Retail markets are those in which the poultryman 

 sells his eggs and poultry direct to the consumer. This is 

 the ideal method for the poultryman who has a small flock 

 and lives near the consumer, since a large number of eggs 

 and poultry can be disposed of in the course of a year by 

 delivering them directly to the family trade, and higher 

 prices are received for them. There is more labor involved 

 hi marketing them, yet with a small flock this is certainly 

 the best method. 



The poultry farm selected should have good transporta- 

 tion facilities. A rural trolley line is a great advantage, 

 but it should also be near a railroad which gives good pas- 

 senger, freight, and express service. Good roads between the 

 farm and the station, or between the farm and the city or 

 market, are also important. 



If the poultryman has a telephone and rural free delivery, 

 these will prove of great convenience. He can easily com- 

 municate with his customers, and more quickly supply 

 them with the kind of produce they desire. Transportation 

 and means of communication play a big part in the manage- 

 ment of either small or large flocks. 



Locating the Poultry House. In locating the poultry 

 house, several factors must be taken into consideration. 

 The character of the soil is important: A sandy loam is 

 best, for a top soil of this kind usually has a gravelly sub- 

 soil, and this combination will drain well, warm up quickly 

 in the spring, and also dry very quickly after rains. Heavy 

 clay soils should be avoided, for they are cold and damp, 

 and very sticky in the winter and late in the spring; after 

 rains the birds' feet and the nests usually get very dirty. 

 The character of the soil is one of the chief things to be taken 

 into account when locating the poultry buildings. 



Drainage must also be considered. Drainage is determined 

 largely by the topography of the land, hilly or rolling country 

 being best, as it promotes good surface drainage. All sur- 



