The Hen's House. 



55 



Fig. 30. 

 IIAYWARD'S 14-I-IEN HOUSE. 



ing to wind pressure against its 

 sides. When plain dead-air spaces 

 are used, tlien one-half inch will 

 suffice as well as more. I am of 

 the opinion that the ceiling will 

 be better if tlie lumber is not 

 matched, thereby leaving small 

 cracks to be covered with two or 

 three feet of dry, loose straw." 



It will be noticed that Mr. 

 Cook allows less than two square 

 feet of floor space to each hen, but 

 the greatest care is taken to have 

 this floor clean. The litter is 

 changed frequently, and the floor is swept often, which is possible, since 

 it is made of concrete. The manure is cleaned out before it becomes 

 offensive. It would not be possible to keep the hens in health in such 

 crowded quarters if the house were not kept so clean. We have many 

 other reports of hens crowded into a small space and yet laying remarkably 

 well. In every such case the houses are well ventilated and kept thor- 

 oughly clean. It seems to be settled that we may safely use the animal 

 heat of hens or cows to keep up the temperature of their rooms if we can 

 provide for a supply of pure air and dispose of the foul air without creat- 

 ing too much of a draft. 



THE DUST BOX.— This ought to stand in the sunshine out of all 

 drafts; under the front window is a good place. Road dust is excellent. 

 It is well to secure a quantity of it during a dry spell in Summer. We 

 have found dry sifted coal ashes good. A large shallow box is best. Do 

 not fill it too full so the Hens will kick the dust over the floor. In some 

 cases a small quantity of lime is added to the dust, but we do not like it, 

 as it takes the gloss from the feathers. Do not let the dust remain too 

 long. It must not become damp or 

 caked. In freezing weather the dust 

 box should be emptied frequently, so 

 as to keep the dust dry. 



THE FLOOR.— Good arguments are 

 advanced for cement, board or earth 

 floors, just as different housekeepers pre- 

 fer carpets, matting or rugs with hard 

 wood. The wood floors are warm and 

 easily cleaned. Cement makes a solid 



floor, and if properly built keeps out p, g^ 



rats and vermin better than the others. SWINGING HEN DOOR. 



