POULTRY HOUSES RECOMMENDED 49 
CAUTION IN HOUSE BUILDING 
Supposing now you are going to build this 
long house 4ox15, adding to it as your flock 
increases, there is one point to settle before 
beginning to build; namely, as to whether the 
house shall be built on the ground or raised 
up 3 to 5 feet. If your location is such that 
you have ample space and plenty of shade, 
then the house built on the ground may be 
preferable; provided you can arrange the 
floor so as to prevent dampness and do away 
with rats. The hens will find their way out 
and in a little better if on the ground than if 
raised very high. But if space is any object 
then by building above ground you add to 
your yard all the space that would otherwise 
be used by the foundation. 
Another great advantage of the house be- 
ing built 4 feet above ground would be that 
in summer when the hens are panting with 
the heat, they would have the coolest, shadi- 
est spot possible under the house, dusting 
themselves, out of the sun, and in rainy 
weather, a dry spot which they would also 
appreciate. The last advantage to mention 
would be your freedom from rats or other 
animals; for rats will never bother you in a 
house raised off the ground sufficiently to 
