CARE OF FUTURE LAYERS. 31 



For these reasons the pullets should be given their lib- 

 erty, after they are accustomed to the houses, every day 

 when the weather is fair, unless the ground is covered 

 with snow. Mere cold will not hurt them, if the ground is 

 bare, for if accustomed to the houses they will seek shelter 

 in them if uncomfortable outside. If not "house-broken" 

 it may be necessary to call or drive them in if the temper- 

 ature falls suddenly or a storm comes up. 



Very likely the weather will be such that the pullets can 

 have free range, with comfort to themselves and satisfac- 

 tion to their owners, two-thirds of the days before Decem- 

 bier first. 



Do Not Clo^e the Houses. 



, Too many make the mistake of closing their houses at 

 night when the pullets are introduced, and a few fail to 

 ■open the windows and doors during the day. 



There are two things which are essential to the success 

 ■of any method intended for the prevention of colds — they 

 are, freedom from drafts and a plentiful supply of fresh, 

 pure air. A supply of good air can be obtained without 

 ■danger from drafts if the north side, ends and roof of the 

 house are tightly built and fresh air is admitted through 

 the south side. In buildings that are narrower than they 

 should be for economy or convenience, a strong south wind 

 may occasionally blow against the fowls on the roosts, or 

 storms may beat in through open windows. Either will 

 ■cause trouble but may be prevented by placing a frame, filled 

 with light cotton cloth or burlap, in the spaces made by 

 opening the windows. Air will pass through this material, 

 but drafts will not. , 



Ventilate Freely. 



Roosts which are not located at the back of the pen, or 

 farthest from the windows, are not in the right place and 

 should be changed. Close the doors at night and leave the 

 windows open more or less. according to the weather, but 

 be sure that the minimum of open space is sufficient to 

 make the house practically odorless. During the bright 

 days throw windows and doors wide open; let in all the 



