78 OPEN-AIR POULTRY HOUSES 



seems to do them good. It is true that they look bedraggled and 

 sorry enough while it is actually raining, but it is wonderful how 

 quickly they get in full dress uniform after a storm, and their 

 combs, wattles, and plumage look as fresh and bright as if pre- 

 pared with care for the exhibition coop. I have found that heavy 

 and prolonged rain does not check laying in the least. The average 

 number of eggs during a rainy spell and several days following, 

 was exactly the same as before it, although we had 3I/2 inches of 

 rain in 36 hours. Bain on the birds is natural. The skin and 

 feathers get into a better condition and look fresher and more 

 lustrous, just like the wild birds. The oil gland secretes normally 

 and copiously and the birds use it more and make their toilet with 



H. H. STODDAED'S WIRE CAGE BOOST. 

 Fig. 25. — Diagram showing frame for a hexagon shapeil Stoddard cage 

 toost. This frame is to be entirely covered with 1-iiich mesh poultry 

 netting and to be provided with a wide door in front. 



evident enjoyment and good results, whereas, as my readers liave 

 noticed, when kept under a roof, this gland is often partially or 

 completely atrophied and useless, its contents being solidly caked, 

 the skin dry and harsh and the plumage dull. Nature knows 

 what she is about. You cannot thwart her with impunity. Fowls 

 that are under a roof all night when it rains never look as clean 

 and healthy and never move about the next day with tlie vigor 

 and sprightliness of the 'back to nature' birds." 



No house cleaning or whitewashing is necessary where cage 

 roosts are used. Where heavy rains occur frequently during the 

 "wet season" I should prefer a roost that has a roof to afford some 

 protection from the rain. It may not be absolutely necessary, but 



