222 PROFITABLE POULTRY PRODUCTION 



filth and from neglect of the comfort of fowls, es- 

 pecially with respect to the dust bath and the roost- 

 ing quarters. Lack of exercise is also productive 

 of disorders. Lack of grit and shell-forming ma- 

 terial likewise give rise to various troubles. All 

 of these and other neglects and bad practices are 

 easily within the control of the poultryman. The 

 situation of the poultry house and yards (see 

 chapter on Location) may result unfavorably upon 

 the health of the flock; so may the lack of sunshine 

 and of drainage. Overcrowding is likely to pro- 



SHED FOR COLONY HOUSE 



Protection adds greatly to the life of colony houses. If 

 desired these houses may be used for autumn and winter 

 quarters. Note three styles of front. 



duce unfavorable results ; fowls should not be kept 

 closely confined in large numbers or in crowded 

 quarters. 



It is best to allow lo to 15 square feet, or even 

 more, for each adult bird in confinement. Where 

 there is partial freedom, the area of the house may 

 be reduced a third or a half from the above figures. 

 The yard should be from 75 to 150 feet square for 

 each fowl. The larger area will not be too much 

 where grass is expected to grow in the run. All 

 poultrymen agree that it is best to avoid dratights 

 in the poultry house, at least draughts which strike 

 the birds, especially during roosting time. The dif- 



