CHAPTER IV 



THE POULTRY HOUSE 



One of the secrets of successful poultry culture is that of proper 

 housing. It is probable that as many failures have resulted from lack 

 of knowledge along this line as from any other cause, as large sums 

 of money have been wasted on .expensive but improperly built houses. 

 In trying to make the birds comfortable they have been made uncom- 

 fortable. Double walls, elaborate ventilators and heating systems have 

 added to the cost only to the detriment of the birds. 



There are but four requirements in a well built poultry house — a 

 tight roof, a dry floor, freedom from draughts and proper openings 

 for the air and sunshine. The house should be cool in summer and 

 warm enough in winter so that the birds will not actually suffer from 

 the cold. The house need not be costly, but it should be substantial. 

 If the roof is covered with a good material, if the walls are lined with 

 fairly heavy weight tarred paper, if the floor is built of solid concrete 

 to keep out the vermin, and covered with plenty of clean straw for 

 scratching, and if ventilator windows are supplied, of the style 

 described in this book, and if the fowls are not overcrowded, there 

 will be freedom from sickness, and the birds will be happy and con- 

 . tented. Under such circumstances they will do well and pay well. 



The style and size of the house depends wholly upon circum- 

 stances. First let us consider the house that is used more than any 

 other. 



