HOUSES 



THE LOCATION OF THE HOG HOUSE 



''The prospective site for the hog house should be carefully studied. Some 

 of the more important considerations to be emphasized are: 



"Economy of Labor and Time in Management To save time and energy, 

 feed, water and bedding should be near at hand. Locate so the house will 

 fit in with the general scheme for doing farm chores. Unnecessary steps are 

 profitably dispensed with. 



"Sufficient Drainage Rolling ground is unquestionably best for drainage, 

 while low, level land is usually damp and unfit for swine. Sandy soils furnish 

 a desirable base because water drains readily from them. Heavy clay or 

 gumbo water-holding soils are to be avoided. Drain tile may often be used to 

 advantage. 



"Sunny Exposure Select an open, well sunned space because the direct 

 sunlight must reach all portions of the house. Avoid the heavy shade of trees 

 and other buildings. 



"Southern Slope The southern slope is preferable because of its warmth, 

 which means much to the successful raising of suckling pigs. Warmth, dry- 

 ness and natural air drainage, all conducive to the best results with pigs, are 

 promoted by the southern slope. 



"Protective Windbreaks The extreme cold winds in Iowa come from the 

 northwest. The more efficient site, therefore, shoul 1 be to the southeast of 

 a good, substantial windbreak of hills, trees, buildings, fences, or their happy 

 combination. 



"Nearness to Pasture and Summer Shade Convenient pasture and shade 

 are both indispensable for economical pork production. 



"Suitable Elevation The high situation is apt to be bleak, cold, and dif- 

 ficult of approach; the low, damp and unhealthy. The happy medium of 

 elevation is indispensable for the good of both man and beast. 



"Prevention of Odors Reaching Dwelling Inasmuch as somewhat un- 

 pleasant odors may possibly be carried to the farm dwelling, the piggery 

 should be a reasonable distance therefrom, and preferably not in the direction 

 from whence the prevailing winds come. 



"Lessened Risk from Disease Infection Locations in close proximity 

 to public highways, railroads, and open waterways, unless free from possible 

 infection, are to be avoided. The neighbor's herd may carry infection; and 

 that source of danger should be considered. A reasonably complete isolation 

 of the swine herd is advantageous." 



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