THE ILLUSTRATED 



BOOK OF POULTRY. 



CHAPTER L 



HOUSES AND ACCOMMODATION. 



UCCESS in poultry-keeping must obviously depend very much upon 

 the character of the premises the fowls are to inhabit ; they can- 

 not, any more than human beings, retain health and condition in 

 unhealthy dwellings. In former years this was not understood, 

 and consequently roup and gapes decimated many poultry-yards ; 

 now, neither disease is dreaded by the experienced fancier, and 

 deaths from any natural cause are few and far between. 



The essentials to the health and well-being of poultry — so 

 far as accommodation is concerned — are very few and very simple ; 

 but it is essential to see that they really are provided, in proper 

 proportion to the size and number of the birds. Pure air, and 

 shelter from wind and weather, are all that is required, whether 

 the establishment covers acres, or is confined to a few Square feet. 

 Pure air, of course, implies both proper cleanliness and proper 

 ventilation ; and good shelter implies a retreat dry under foot as well as above, which must 

 also be open to the light, or the fowls will not resort to it. But unless the whole establishment 

 be on a considerable scale, large and expensive houses are neither necessary nor desirable ; and 

 any amateur at all accustomed to the use of tools may do— as we and many others have done — 

 the whole of the work of his fowl-house with his own hands. Indeed, we strongly advise this 

 where possible ; for it will not only benefit both the heahh and the pocket of the proprietor, 

 but will give him a deep and lasting interest in the undertaking, which will of itself go a long 

 way to command success. In the case of ladies, of course, such will rarely be possible, though 

 we have known blooming damsels — well connected, too— who could perform incredible feats in 

 this way. These it must be allowed were exceptions ; but in all cases we would urge a thorough 

 superintendence and knowledge of every detail in construction, as it may save much future 

 trouble and cost should it be needful to direct alterations, or to contrive accommodation for 

 strange fowls on sudden emergencies. 



The house itself should, as a rule, be set apart exclusively for the inmates to roost and lay in, 

 and should not be more than large enough to comfortably accommodate them. For a cock and five 

 hens of the larger breeds, five or six feet square is ample for this purpose ; for the smaller breeds, 



