SITUATION 



51 



is no sunlight or air entering to purify them; and many of the com- 

 mon poultry diseases are spread by this one improper condition 

 The drainage, whether natural or artificial, should be away from 

 the poultry house and not toward it (Fig. 36). This applies 

 especially to surface drainage. 



After heavy showers in summer or during melting snows in 

 winter, there is usually a heavy surface wash on sloping land, and 

 the buildings should be arranged to be out of line with it. If this 

 is impossible artificial means, such as open gutters, should be so 

 constructed as to protect the buildings from such water. The 



FIG. 36. Houses and yards on a hillside, giving good drainage. 



presence of grass about the houses and in the runs tends to stop 

 the surface washing and should be encouraged. Hillsides which 

 are exceptionally springy should be avoided, as it is then almost 

 impossible to secure dry soil conditions. This makes the houses 

 and fence posts rot away quickly if great care is not used in their 

 construction. It also makes wet conditions underfoot for both 

 poultryman and birds. Wet soil gives the hens wet, dirty feet, 

 making clean eggs impossible; and clean eggs are one of the 

 requisites of a guaranteed trade. 



Slope or Land Contour. Air drainage is very essential, and 

 atmospheric conditions should be studied before making the selec- 

 tion. Air at all times contains moisture. When there are no gen- 

 eral winds the air is always acted upon by gravity. The cool, 



