18 CIRCULAR NO. 14 



done already in some instances. No rule can be given as to 

 just how much space should be left open in the front of the 

 house, as that depends on the type of the house and somewhat 

 on local conditions. One very important feature of all open 

 front houses is that during the severe cold weather the other 

 three sides of the house must be perfectly tight. To secure this 

 these three sides should be constructed of matched lumber and 

 lined either outside or inside, preferably the latter, with good 

 heavy building paper. The double wall with a dead air-space 

 is not necessary and is undesirable. It offers protection and 

 a breeding place for mice, rats, mites, etc., and adds consid- 

 erably to the expense of the building. In the hottest part of 

 the summer an opening may be provided in one of the other 

 sides, providing it is not located so that a draught would strike 

 the fowls while on the perches. 



While reasonably cold, pure fresh air is to be preferred to 

 warm impure air, yet it should not be forgotten that it is the 

 purity of the air and not the low temperature that is desired. 

 The more surface there is exposed in the walls and roof of a 

 house the greater will be the loss of heat, other things being 

 equal. For this reason it is not desirable to extend the walls 

 higher than is necessary to allow sufficient room in the house 

 for the attendant to move about freely without continually 

 bumping his head. The greatest vigor and production cannot 

 be secured if the fowls are required to breathe impure or very 

 cold air. Early spring condition, when we have our highest egg 

 production, should be the aim in this regard both winter and 

 summer. Plenty of fresh air with a moderate temperature, and 

 good, clean, nutritive food brings high production in eggs and 

 meat. 



Sunlight. This third essential for healthful, vigorous stock 

 must be provided for in a good chicken house. For this reason 

 the open front has become very popular and the house should 

 always face to the south. The opening should not be too low 

 or the snow and rain will drift in and dampen the litter, and 

 the fowls should be protected from the cold wind while at work 

 on the floor. Two to three feet from the ground to the bottom 

 of the opening will give this protection and will not shade much 

 of the floor space. It must extend as high as possible so that 

 the sun will go to the back of the pen. The direct rays of 

 the sun not only make the house warmer but keep the interior 



