26 POULTRY HOUSES 



long duration, the health and vitality of the fowls is 

 undermined and destroyed. Asiatic fowls can be kept 

 in health and vigor in much less space than can the 

 American varieties; Leghorns must have more than 

 double the space that is necessary for other varieties. 

 These remarks apply to the keeping of laying hens and 

 not to forcing a few fowls to an early maturity for the 

 market on a space so limited that they neither produce 

 eggs nor maintain vitality. The more closely hens are 

 confined, the greater the necessity for cleanliness, care, 

 and proper feeding. 



SHADE FOR POULTRY 



There is a great need of shade for poultry kept in 

 confined quarters during the summer months. Poultry 

 houses should face toward the south, because the direct 

 rays of the sun are needed inside of poultry buildings 

 to assist in keeping the interior dry and free from germs. 

 But shade of some kind must be provided so that the 

 fowls can be sheltered during warm weather when they 

 are in the yard the greater part of the day. 



Shade may be furnished in a way that will add attrac- 

 tiveness to the poultry houses and yards. The fences 

 about the poultry yard should be built straight and 

 strong and attractive in appearance, and they may be 

 overgrown with vines of some kind which will serve as 

 a shade and protect the fowls from the direct rays of 

 the sun. 



There are a number of kinds of vines that can be used 

 for this purpose. Throughout Maryland, Virginia, and 

 other states there are honeysuckles that grow profusely 

 and can be trained over the fences and over frames 

 built for the purpose. There are several varieties of the 

 rambler roses which can be trained over the fences and 

 which will beautify the surroundings as well as furnish 

 shade. Sunflowers may be grown along the outside line 

 of the fence. These grow rapidly and provide feed as 

 well as shelter from the sun. 





