156 



EQUIPPING THE POULTRY HOUSE 



dishes. Metal pails and pans, although relatively cheap and easy 

 to fill and empty, are not as efficient as a well-built vacuum 

 fountain. 



The " vacuum " fountain consists of a large chamber filled 

 with water having only one outlet, which is in the lower part of 

 the chamber, communicating directly with a shallow pan or trough, 

 the edges of which are above the opening in the water chamber. 



When the vessel is filled and set 

 upright, and the water has filled 

 the saucer or cup, air is prevented 

 from entering the water chamber, 

 and a closed chamber called a 

 " vacuum " is formed on the top. 

 Outside air pressure holds the 

 water in. 



From among the various com- 

 mercial types of drinking vessels 

 which are found on the market a 

 number of practical ones can be 

 selected. In selecting a commer- 

 cial drinking fountain it is very 

 desirable to secure one which allows 

 of separating the water chamber 

 from the drinking pan, as more 

 easily and perfectly cleaned and 

 more easily filled. These commer- 

 cial drinking fountains can be 

 secured in all sizes from that re- 

 quired for baby chicks to those for 

 adult flocks. 



The usual commercial fountains 

 are not large enough for a large number of hens and they 

 are rather expensive. Figure 103 shows a practical device which 

 answers all the requirements outlined. 



Grit and Shell Boxes. The most economical way to feed grit 

 and shell is to keep it before the birds all the time. There are 

 hoppers constructed for that purpose (Fig. 104). In this way the 

 birds can have constant access to this material, and the cost of 

 feeding it is reduced to a minimum. These hoppers resemble in 

 style a large dry-mash hopper, but are usually much smaller. A 

 very common practice, and a very good one, is to partition off 



FIG. 104. A hopper for grit and shell. 

 These materials are usually fed separately 

 not with dry mash. 



