106 PRINCIPLES OF POULTRY-HOUSE CONSTRUCTION 



sound boards and timbers should be used. In many cases there 

 are buildings about the farm which, with little expense for material, 

 can be remodelled into efficient poultry houses by laying a 

 moisture-proof floor and by providing openings for muslin curtains 

 and a suitably sheltered roosting place. 



When purchasing new lumber, a good sill and frame is impor- 

 tant to insure permanence and rigidity. The very best grade of 

 lumber is not necessary for roofing boards and side walls. One of 

 the most economical methods of construction is to build the roof 

 and side walls of tongued and grooved material, yellow pine 

 " seconds " being satisfactory. The roof and back wall are then 

 covered with a good grade of prepared roofing paper. 



Elaborate planning, expensive construction, and fancy trim- 

 mings have a tendency to reduce economy and efficiency. The 

 comfort of the birds is not increased by such practice. 



Convenience, In planning the house, thought should be given 

 to practical labor-saving devices such as double swinging doors 

 between the pens, with friction stops; curtains which are easily 

 and quickly raised or lowered; large, self-feeding hoppers for dry 

 mash, which will require filling but once a week at the most; 

 drinking vessels which are easily and quickly cleaned and filled; 

 dropping boards which are easily and perfectly cleaned; nests 

 which are easy of access; and an inside finish which can be quickly 

 and easily cleaned. Convenience in removing litter and manure 

 and in supplying new litter is important. Facility in collection of 

 eggs should be considered. 



Elaborate mechanical devices which are designed to save labor, 

 and do automatically much that should be done by the attendant, 

 do not as a rule prove practical, or furnish suitable conditions 

 for the birds that are kept in such houses. 



Sunlight should penetrate every part of the house as much of 

 the day as possible. Sunlight is a perfect germ destroyer, purify- 

 ing the parts of the house where it shines, besides adding warmth 

 and making surroundings more congenial. It acts as a tonic to 

 the birds during the short winter days and induces a heavier pro- 

 duction. 



The house should be placed so that the sun will shine in at 

 the openings every possible hour of the day during the winter 

 months. The openings in the front should be of good height, and 

 so placed that they will allow of a complete distribution of the 

 sunlight in the house throughout the day. If possible, the entire 



