POULTRY 363 



1. Keep the nests clean; provide one nest for each four 



hens. 



2. Gather the eggs twice daily. 



3. Keep the eggs in a cool dry room or cellar. 



4. Market the eggs at least twice a week. 



5. Market, kill or confine all male birds as soon as the 



hatching season is over. 



7. Housing the Poultry 



There are almost as many different styles of poultry 

 houses as dwelling houses. The exact form of the poultry 

 house is not important, though some types are more pleas- 

 ing in appearance and less expensive than others. Every 

 state agricultural college has plans for poultry houses 

 adapted to the region and will be glad to supply these to 

 citizens of the state. No matter what the style, however, 

 certain fundamental requirements should be met by all 

 poultry houses. 



Drainage. Poultry are especially sensitive to unhy- 

 gienic surroundings. Impurities arising from ground sat- 

 urated with unclean seepage, and dampness coming from 

 undrained soil are sure to injure the fowls. The poultry 

 house should be built on well drained ground. Drain tile 

 should be used to carry the water away if necessary. 



Room. In many instances a flock of chickens are 

 crowded into a space far too small for them, and the 

 owner then wonders why they do not thrive well or lay 

 eggs. The amount of floor space should be from four to five 

 square feet for each bird. If there is free access to a shel- 

 tered yard, somewhat less than this may serve, but better 

 sell part of the flock than overcrowd them in small pens. 



Ventilation. Chickens require far more air accord- 

 ing to their weight than larger animals. Confinement in 

 close, ill-smelling rooms is certain to lower their vitality, 

 bring on diseases, and interfere with laying. In climates 



