ADVANTAGES OF DOUBLE YARDING 



159 



rotated, or if rest periods of a year or more are allowed between 

 the periods of use. 



The Shape of the Yard Influences the Cost. It is much cheaper 

 to fence a square yard than a rectangular one, as it requires less 

 fencing material and less labor. Long yards insure a more per- 

 manent growth, but square yards are more easily worked and 

 seeded. Triangular yards with acute angles in the corners should 

 be avoided, as they form a catch-all for leaves and rubbish and 

 do not readily allow of plowing nor cultivation. Long and narrow 

 yards provide a larger amount of green feed than the same area 



FIG 106. A good method of double yarding and crop rotation. The corn provides shade 

 while the fruit trees are growing. (Photo from Purdue University.) 



in the form of a square, as the birds stay near the house and do 

 not feed at a distance until that near at hand is consumed. 



Advantages of Double Yarding. A system of double yarding 

 is often provided when it is impossible to give birds free range. 

 When double yards are used, a more nearly constant supply of 

 green feed can be grown (Fig. 106). The double yards allow a 

 change in rotation of the birds from one yard to another. They 

 are thus kept clean and free from filth, which is important on heavy 

 soil. Even with small runs it will be found profitable to divide 

 them in half and rotate, the birds feeding on one part and then on 

 the other. Single yarding may require the feeding of green feed 

 from outside sources, which entails extra labor in harvesting and 

 feeding it to them. This feature is eliminated by double yarding. 



