HOUSING AND HYGIENE 



255 



Air Drainage. — Poultry liouses are sometimes placed on 

 low ground Ijecause of the shelter afforded by the higher 

 ground, or for reasons of convenience. Cold, damp air 

 settles in low places and frosts appear there earlier in the 

 fall and later in the spring than on the surrounding higher 

 ground. If there is no lower ground beyond, on to which the 

 cold air may drain, such a situation is bad. Because damp, 

 chilly air is uncomfortable it is not conducive to good pro- 

 duction. The shelter of high ground is desira))le only when 

 there is enough ground lower than that upon which the 

 house is situated, so that the cool air that settles al:iout the 

 house may cjuickly drain away. 



131 



A comfortaljle liuuse witli a iiriard, glass, and muslin front, cuvered with 

 straw. (Courtesy oi Reliai^le Poultr3' Journal.) 



The Hen-house and other Buildings. — In locating a per- 

 manent poultry-house the fact that it must fit into the 

 general routine of farm work and bear certain relations to 

 other farm buildings must not be lost sight of. It is highly 

 undesirable to build verj' near granaries, cribs, or barns, 

 where the poultrj^ is a nuisance, and which harbor rats and 

 other vermin that prey on poultry and destroy eggs. The 

 hen-house that is properly cared for may be located consider- 

 ably nearer the dwelling than the stables for other stock. 

 This is often a convenience for several reasons, among which 

 is the fact that it is likely to be near the water supply. 



It sometimes happens that the physical characteristics 



