382 BEGINNINGS IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY 



The width of the poultry house depends upon size of the 

 flock. Under most conditions, a house 14 or 16 feet wide 

 gives an ample depth for each pen. One should plan to use 

 standard lengths of timber, so that as little waste as possible 

 will occur in sawing. 



The foundation of the poultry house should be of con- 

 crete or stone, if intended for a permanent laying house. 

 This foundation should be deep enough in the ground not to 

 be affected by the action of frost, and should rise 6 to 12 

 inches above the surface. The thickness of wall will depend 

 on local conditions, ranging from 8 to 12 inches. Portable 

 colony houses may be built on 4x4 runners. Halpin and 

 Ocock, of Wisconsin University, recommend the use of 

 "two small trees of some durable wood which may be 

 flattened off on top and tapered off at both ends so as to make 

 a satisfactory runner." 



The walls of the poultry houses are built of wood, brick, 

 concrete, or stone. The most common method is to use 2x4 

 studs nailed to 2x6 sills. On the outside of the studs is 

 fastened a layer of strong tarred paper, over which matched 

 siding is nailed horizontally. When well put together 

 this makes a wall free from drafts and very satisfactory. If 

 rough boards are used, battens or strips should be tacked over 

 any cracks. It is not desirable to place siding over the studs 

 on the inside, for in that case rats and mice will find a place 

 for hiding. A wooden wall in winter is most satisfac- 

 tory, as solid concrete or stone may be moist or frosty 

 under some conditions. Concrete or brick walls that are 

 partly hollow are preferable to the solid wall. 



The roof of the poultry house should be strong, simple and 

 comparatively inexpensive. A straight lean-to or one-slant 

 roof is most common and can be built with least cost. If the 

 house is over 14 feet wide, the usual 2x4 rafters should be 



