CHAPTER XLIV 

 THE POULTRY HOUSE AND EQUIPMENT 



The need of housing or shelter for fowls varies with the 

 section of the country and the local conditions under which 

 they are kept. While close housing is no longer needed to 

 the extent formerly thought necessary, naturally more pro- 

 tection is required in the colder sections than in the warmer. 

 In winter, in New England, where the ground is usually 

 covered with snow, shelter is a necessity; while in Texas, 

 where snow rarely falls, less protection is required. 



The forms and styles of poultry houses differ widely, and 

 no one kind is regarded as the best. A collection of photo- 

 graphs or views of one thousand houses will show a very 

 interesting variety of style and construction. Years ago 

 buildings were often made of brick or stone, at great expense, 

 and were very warm and almost air tight in winter. In 

 recent years the construction is less expensive, and fresh air 

 properly supplied is an important feature. 



Several types of poultry houses, each for a special pur- 

 pose, are more or less in use in this country. These may be 

 placed in the following classes: (a) Laying pen house, (b) 

 fattening house, (c) brooder house, (d) colony house, (e) 

 shelter coop. While plans and details of construction can 

 not be given in the limited space of this volume, some sug- 

 gestions of interest and value will be found in the follow- 

 ing pages that may be well worth careful study. 



The laying pen house is designed for the purpose of keep- 

 ing fowls in confinement, in groups suitable for the best 

 results. Yards or runs limit the range of the hens. These 

 houses are permanent of location and, as a rule, are of sub- 

 stantial construction. Formerly they were made with tight 



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