37 



pend largely upon proper housing. The houses described in this 

 article are considered among the best by most poultry men. The open 

 front or curtain front house has proven to be the best method of hous- 

 ing to secure the largest number of fertile eggs and the healthiest 

 flocks. If properly constructed, you seldom have a sick bird or a 

 frosted comb as a result of any defect of these houses. In building 

 your house allow about four square feet of floor space to each bird. 



In most all of these houses we prefer to make a light frame to 

 fit the opening, and over this frame we tack cheese cloth, muslin or 

 burlap. This frame is hinged at the top so that it may be fastened 

 down in extremely cold weather or during blizzards. You will find, 

 however, that we seldom have weather so severe that you will be re- 

 quired to lower this curtain very often during any winter. Over the 

 outside of this opening tack one-inch mesh galvanized poultry net- 

 ting. You will find that the fowls are stronger and hardier and the 

 eggs will have stronger germs and be more fertile when the fowls are 

 housed under such conditions. You don't have to worry about damp- 

 ness or ventilation, roup or colds. The doctors all recommend pure, 

 fresh air as the best treatment of manj^ diseases among the human 

 family. The prevention and cure of many diseases among poultry is 

 also pure, fresh air. Don't worry if a little snow does blow in. Cover 

 the roof of all poultry houses with asbestos roofing, and if you cannot 

 get asbestos, have your dealer order it for you or get composition 

 roofing. But asbestos keeps out cold in the winter and keeps out the 

 heat in the summer. Make the sides of the house out of matched or 

 grooved lumber. Cover the floor with straw litter and throw your 

 w r hole grain in this litter. These rules apply to every plan shown in 

 this book. Open-air houses should be built rather narrow and deep 

 to prevent drafts. 



Build your house on land that is dry and well drained and face 

 the house to the south or southeast. 



The essentials to be considered in the construction of your poultry 

 house are the location, the size, open front, sufficient depth to prevent 

 drafts, head room, convenience, and build it as simple and inexpens- 

 ive as possible. 



The droppings board should be high enough to allow the fowls to 

 go underneath, and the perches should be placed on a level and not 

 more than ten or twelve inches above the droppings board. Do not 

 .ir<-t the roosts too high and force the birds to sleep with their heads 

 up close to the cold roof. 



NEST BOXES, ENTRANCE IN REAR 



Common orange boxes from the grocery store make good nests, 

 and these should he plan-d in some nit her dnrk spot in the house. 

 Place a board alon.ir the front of the nests so the hens can fly upon this 

 before getting on the nest, and therefore save breaking many eggs. 



The roost poles, droppings board, in-st boxes and all the fixtures 

 on the inside of the house should In- so arranged and constructed that 



