590 DOMESTIC ANIMALS, DAIRYING, ETC. 



of to the north as is usually the case. The house is self-regulating so 

 far as ventilation is concerned, adapting itself to temperature changes 

 without necessitating the constant attention of an attendant. The 

 roosts being located on the 'backside are out of the drafts and the 

 snow and storms do not drive in to any great extent. For breeding 

 stock it is exceedingly popular and in some localities it is strongly ad- 

 vocated for egg production. From the standpoint of healthy flocks 

 this type of house is not to be excelled and as a colony house it is 

 being used to a considerable extent. (Mich. B. 266.) 



Floors. The floor may be of earth, wood, or cement. It is im- 

 portant that the floor be dry, otherwise it will be impossible to keep 

 litter on the floor fit for use. Straw and similar material gathers 

 moisture, and when the litter becomes damp enough to be limp it is 

 practically useless for fowls to scratch in for their grain feed. 



Earth floors are excellent, provided they are kept dry. Except 

 in very dry climates, however, they are apt to be damp. Where an 

 earth floor is used it should be 3 or 4 inches above the level of the 

 ground outside. An objection to earth floors is the difficulty of 

 cleaning them, for it is usually necessary to remove 2 or 3 inches of 

 the top and to replace this with fresh soil, and even then one cannot 

 be certain that all of the droppings have been removed. 



Board floors are usually short-lived unless air is allowed to cir- 

 culate under them. This may be provided for by means of openings 

 in the foundation walls, which should be closed during the winter 

 months. A hoard floor covered with one-fourth inch of fine sand, 

 with scratching material on this, makes a good floor. The litter and 

 sand can be readily removed when desired and fresh materials pro- 

 vided. If the wooden floors are constructed within 2 or 3 inches of 

 the ground it is essential that the foundation walls be constructed in 

 such a way that rats can not gain access beneath the floor. 



A good cement floor is the best, for it is easily cleaned and very 

 durable. It should be covered with one-fourth or one-half inch of 

 fine soil or sand and plenty of litter. In constructing this floor the 

 ground should be excavated to the depth of 3 or 4 inches and then 

 filled in with small stones or coarse gravel to make a good foundation. 

 Cover with about 2 inches of mortar, made by mixing thoroughly, 

 while dry, one part of good cement to three or four parts of sand, and 

 then wetting with water and mixing thoroughly. (Agr. Dep. F. 

 B. 287.) 



Walls of the Poultry House. They must keep out rain, snow 

 and cold winds. They should also give strength and rigidity to the 

 house, and must be made in such a way that they can be readily 

 disinfected and cleaned. They must also be reasonably durable and 

 not too expensive. To fulfill the first requirement the walls are usu- 

 ally made wind tight. Cement blocks have been used in some locali- 

 ties and are giving good service. Solid cement walls should never 

 be used in the poultry house as they become damp and frost covered 

 and can never be said to be satisfactory. Sometimes drain tiles are 

 used in ordinary cement walls making air spaces which help keep 

 out dampness. This method, however, is not used very extensively. 



