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FUNDAMENTALS OF AGRICULTURE. 



be supplied to make up for the deficiency. Sometimes 

 yards are used simply for exercising the birds, in which 

 case the yard area may be reduced one-half. 



Fences of wire netting of about 2 inch mesh are de- 

 sirable. A foot or base board about 2 to 3 feet high 

 should be placed at the bottom of the fences to prevent 

 the male birds from fighting. The fences should be 



THE LATEST CURTAIN-FRONT POULTRY HOUSE. 



high enough to prevent the birds from flying over. 

 The light breeds, as Leghorn, require a fence 10 to 12 

 feet high, and 4 to 6 feet is high enough for heavy 

 breeds like the Brahmas. Gates should be built so 

 as to allow access to all the yards. 



The yards should be well drained and kept clean. 

 Fresh drinking water and a sand pile are beneficial in 

 the yards. During the summer it often becomes very 

 warm in poultry yards, and comfort can be provided 

 the birds by planting shade trees in the yards. If fruit 

 trees are planted they will serve a double purpose by 

 providing shade and bearing fruit. 



Exercise. One of the most important features in 

 successful poultry management is to make the birds ex- 

 ercise. Some breeds are apt to be lazy, and hard to 

 keep in good laying condition unless they are forced 

 to exercise, while other breeds are naturally very active 

 and easily kept in good condition. Laying hens and 

 breeding cocks especially require a great deal of exer- 

 cise for best results. This may be accomplished when 

 the birds are confined by providing a heavy loose litter 

 of short-cut straw 3 to 6 inches in depth and scattering 

 the grain food over it, thus forcing the birds to exer- 



