Laying out a Poultry Yard. 



CHAPTER III. 



LAYING-OUT THE PO ULTEY-YAKD. 



Gradual Comrnenoeintnt best — Selection of Ground— Separate Houses — Aspect 

 of Houses— Walls of Houses — D.vidingthe Yard — Plans— Chicken Yards. 



We do not assume that those of our readers to whom the 

 present work is specially applicable are all non-keepers of 

 poultry at the present time, for probably the great majority 

 have already stocks of poultry. As we have no means of 

 knowing the present condition of their yards- — and if we had 

 it would be impossible to show in every case how they might 

 be improved, if they need improvement — we shall describe 

 the best ways of laying out a poultry-yard, of erecting the 

 houses or adapting existing buildings, and by this means it 

 will be very easy for the reader to apply the hints given 

 to his own needs and requirements. Of course, those who 

 contemplate commencing the keeping of fowls, or of laying 

 out a new yard entirely, will find it easy sailing to adapt 

 the plans we shall describe. It must not be thought, 

 however, that we advise any one to commence poultry- 

 keeping upon a large scale, unless he has had sufficient 

 previous experience, and even then we think it much 

 better to begin moderately, and gradually extend the scope 

 of operations. We say this, not only because improve- 

 ments can generally be made in the later-built houses, 

 and that the whole yard is thus more easily got in hand, 

 but also that the stock can be bred and not bought, 



