POULTRY-HOUSE CONSTRUCTION. 



11 



THE FLOORS. 



A good floor must be one which is dry and durable, with a good hard surface. 

 If of earth, it must be well drained ; if of cement, the surface under the same must 

 be well drained to prevent the dampness from coming up through the cement and 

 affecting the birds. A damp floor will cause rheumatism in fowls. It must, also be 

 rat-proof. 



It is advisable to lay tiles under and around the house, unless on a very sandy 

 soil, or when the house is on an elevation well protected from winds. A cold, dry 

 house can be more easily operated than a wet, damp house, which is undesirable. 



tipper : A correct foundation for a poultry-house. Notice the tiles, which 

 should be placed every 3 feet for air-circulation. Lower left : A correct founda- 

 tion for houses with cement floors. Lower right : A poor foundation for a board- 

 floor house. 



A house built with an earth floor should be well drained, and the soil of a nature 

 which will not pat down and draw dampness by capillary action, which would act 

 as a drain on the soil surrounding the house. An earth floor can never give the 

 same results when litter is placed thereon as will the board floor. 



The board floor is thought to be expensive, from the fact that matched lumber 

 or shiplap is usually used. When the floor is constructed by breaking the joints 



