Importance of Proper Floor. 43 



have over the holes or louver boards. No holes must be 

 made near the ground, or anything done to create a draught 

 upwards, as when this is done there is great danger of the 

 fowls having to roost midway between two openings — a plan 

 which sooner or later results in colds and other diseases. 

 This done, the house itself is complete, with the exception 

 of painting outside and whitewashing inside ; two or three 

 coats of the former and two of the latter will put it in 

 capital order. 



The next part we have to deal with is the floor, which if it 

 be damp or cold will militate very greatly against the com- 

 fort and consequent success of the inmates. Such a subject 

 as this needs to be specially dealt with, as there are many 

 persons who appear to think that if the house itself is dry 

 and well built the floor is of no consequence. Such an idea 

 probably arises from the fact that the birds are almost always 

 either on their perches or' outside the house. But whilst 

 this is undoubtedly the case, it must also be remembered 

 that the nests are generally made on the ground, and what 

 is of still greater moment, the atmosphere of the house is 

 considerably affected by the floor, for if it is damp there is a 

 cold, chilly feeling always present. In our own dwellings 

 this is so, and all the efforts made to warm a damp house 

 never succeed in making it comfortable; besides which there 

 is the great injury to our health, and if this is the case 

 where warmth and light can be freely given, how much more 

 must it be felt in poultry houses. 



The first thing to be decided upon is that the floor of 

 the house shall be not less than six inches above the ground 

 outside. The object is to prevent the water running into the 

 house, which it will do if below or upon the level. Cement 

 makes a capital floor, and if well laid there is no danger of 

 water standing, or of a damp atmosphere resulting from it. 

 It is cleaned very easily, and will not become charged with 



