SYSTEMS OF POULTRY FARMING 155 



The plan shows double yards each I2y 2 x 50 feet, less the 

 space occupied by the house and the small lot at each 

 corner. This means there will be "rotation of crops/' 

 The chickens may be rotated with the vegetable garden. 

 The garden will be in one yard while the chickens are in 

 the other. Chickens should not be kept on the same yard 

 two years in succession. It is a mistake to crowd the yards 

 beyond ability to keep them clean. The yard should be 

 spaded frequently to prevent accumulation of droppings 



ANOTHER BACKYARD SYSTEM 



The original "Philo method" of close confinement. The system shown here 

 entails a heavy labor cost when large numbers of fowls are kept. 



and to keep the soil in better condition for the fowls to 

 scratch in. This will furnish exercise for the fowls and 

 help to keep the ground in a sanitary condition. 



At the end of the house there is a small enclosure, 6x8 

 feet, which may be used for hatching the chicks if it is 

 desired to rear them instead of to purchase mature pullets. 

 Where it is possible to purchase the pullets in the fall from 

 a breeder of good laying stock at a reasonable price, it 

 will be more satisfactory to do so than to continue rearing 

 the fowls on the small lot to reproduce the flock. The 

 layers may be kept two years and then replaced with 

 pullets. 



