2(j() POULTRY PRODUCTION 



the individual egg production of iiens kept in comparati\'ely 

 small groups is liigiier. On the other hand the more groups 

 there are the greater is the labor of caring for them. 



Combining two small flocks in one larger one lessens the 

 time necessary for their care by nearly half. Just where 

 the increased labor of caring for small flocks begins to 

 offset the increased production is impossible to state. For 

 general farm practice, where poultry is not a specialty, the 

 maximum group is probably about one hundred. This 

 would recjuire a pen 20 x 20 feet. 



Foundations. — A good foundation will be solid enough to 

 support the building and keep the cold winds from blowing 

 under the house, deep enough to prevent heaving by frost, 

 and high enough aboxe grade to keep out surface water. In 

 most sections it will be found advisable to build foundations 

 twenty inches deep to prevent heaving and twelve inches 

 above grade to keep out surface water. In order to leave 

 room for the opening and shutting of doors where a deep 

 litter is used the top of the foundation must be at least six 

 inches above the floor level. This brings the tops of the door 

 sills eight or more inches above the floor. If for some reason 

 it is necessary to locate the house where the texture of the 

 ground is such that it tends to hold moisture a tile placed 

 even with the bottom and just at the outside of the foun- 

 dation, and furnished with a suitable outlet is a necessary 

 precaution if the house is to be dry. 



Floors. — The hen-house floor must be moisture-proof, free 

 from cracks, and easily cleaned. It should be rat-proof and 

 durable. The board floor, if properly laid, is free from 

 cracks and is easily cleaned and disinfected. It is usually 

 a dry floor, because the air space below it stops capillary 

 attraction. It is not a durable floor when compared with 

 cement, and it is not nit-])roof unless raised well oif the 

 ground as in I'^ignre f \2. 



The dirt floor is popular because of the supposed economy 

 and its being "nearer nature." Unless certain rather ex- 

 pensive precautions are taken the dirt floor is likely to 

 be damp. If it is not damp it is dusty. Either condition 

 threatens the health of the birds. To keep out the capillary 



