20 BULLETIN No. 215. 



pen as they need the most protection from the cold during the 

 night when the fowls are inactive. At this time the house is also 

 usually colder than during the day. The perches should be 

 easily removable to facilitate cleaning, disinfecting, and fighting 

 mites. They should be so constructed that a disinfectant can 

 be readily applied to all parts. They should be as simple as 

 possible and made in such a way as to have the smallest number 

 of cracks and crevices which offer hiding places for mites and 

 other vermin. 



Figure 9. Cross section of well constructed poultry house. 



As a general rule small hens should have about six inches of 

 perch space while the larger hens should be allowed eight inches. 

 In the winter they huddle closer together, but in the summer 

 there should be plenty of room to allow them to spread out. 

 Perches should be twelve inches apart and not closer than fifteen 

 inches to the wall or ceiling. Show birds, especially Leghorns, 

 or similar types should be kept at a greater distance from walls 

 and ceilings. Many good birds are spoiled by "brooming" their 

 tails against the walls. 



There are several methods of making movable perches. One 

 of the most common is by hinging them to the wall at the back. 



