594 DOMESTIC ANIMALS, DAIRYING, ETC. 



the smallest number of cracks and crevices which offer hiding places 

 for mites and other vermin. 



As a general rule small hens should have about six inches of 

 perch space while the larger hens should be allowed eight inches. 

 In the winter they huddle closer together, but in the summer there 

 should be plenty of room to allow them to spread out. Perches 

 should be twelve inches apart and not closer than fifteen inches to 

 the wall or ceiling. Show birds, especially Leghorns, or similar types 

 should be kept at a greater distance from walls and ceilings. Many 

 good birds are spoiled by "brooming" their tails against the walls. 



There are several methods of making movable perches. One of 

 the most common is by hinging them to the wall at the back. 

 (Wis. B. 215.) 



Partitions. Although drafts are prevented to a considerable 

 extent by having all the openings on one side of the house, yet in 

 long houses drafts can be created by the wind driving in one window 

 and out another. In order to avoid this solid partitions of boards 

 or a combination of wire screen and canvas can be installed at 

 intervals of about 50 feet. Occasionally these solid partitions extend 

 out only the width of the roosting chamber, but all partitions should 

 be solid for two or three feet from the floor to break drafts and pre- 

 vent fighting through the wire netting. 



Nests. Convenience in handling and usefulness are the main 

 requirements for satisfactory nests. Portable nests greatly facilitate 

 cleaning while darkened nests not only afford a feeling of security 

 on the part of the hen but also tend to reduce the amount of egg 

 eating. Nests may be placed under the droppings boards and 

 still maintain these requirements. After the droppings boards 

 have been made, the nests are constructed and placed under- 

 neath, merely resting upon cleats at each end, so that they can be 

 removed and cleaned without interfering with the rest of the struc- 

 ture. The nest portion is made with a board one foot wide as a base 

 on the front and back of which is nailed four-inch strips. The parti- 

 tions at intervals of one foot, are 1 by 12 by 13 inch pieces, while 

 aJong the top on each side of these are nailed two-inch strips. Be- 

 tween the strips on the front a door is hinged at the bottom, thus 

 permitting the sections of nests to be opened for the removal of eggs. 

 Back of the nests, on the cleats, is placed a four-inch board for the 

 birds to walk along until they reach their particular nest. The sec- 

 tion can be built any desired length and placed any convenient dis- 

 tance from the floor. If the nests are placed high enough to permit 

 the free use of the scratching floor, the roosts are apt to be too high, 

 but this interferes only with certain breeds and is offset by its econom- 

 ical and efficient features. 



In order to prevent the nests from interfering with the ar- 

 rangement of the droppings boards a type adapted to this purpose 

 possessing the desirable features of the nest heretofore described but 

 requiring more time and material for its construction should be 

 used. Being hung on the wall it can be placed at any desired dis- 



