450 



COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



Roosts and perches should have tight platforms under them, 

 popularly known as dropping-boards, which should be cleaned 

 daily, or as often as it is necessary to maintain the quarters in a 

 sanitary condition. If the houses are not crowded, and the 

 weather is mild and dry, once a week will probably suffice for 

 cleaning. 



The absorbent should be kept conveniently at hand, and eacb 

 time the dropping-boards are cleaned, if they are cleaned daily, 

 the platforms should be sprinkled with the drier. If the boards 

 are cleaned weekly, then each morning the droppings should be 



(.Courtesy U. S. Dep't Aericulture) 

 Fig. 287. — Small fattening station with feed room in the rear. 



sprinkled with the absorbent material. This is quickly done, and 

 will work wonders with the general improvement of the house. 

 When cleaning time comes the waste matter is easily removed 

 with a hoe or scraper, leaving the boards comparatively clean 

 and dry. It is a big help in the winter months, for it will prevent 

 the droppings freezing to the boards, which condition makes 

 cleaning exceedingly laborious. 



Each time the droppings are collected they should be treated 

 with the kainit and acid phosphate, and then carefully stored in a 

 sheltered bin or shed. At first it will be necessary to weigh the 



