EXCESSIVE LIGHTING IS BAD 577 



cent (50 to 60 eggs daily from 100 hens) throughout the winter 

 months, which yield is not a tax on the flock if the birds are 

 properly fed. 



Types of Lights. — Any sort of a system of illumination will an- 

 swer the purpose of lighting poultry houses, but the most com- 

 monly used lights are gasoline and electricity, because of their 

 convenience. 



There seems to be no doubt that electric light is the simplest 

 and safest method of illumination, and where current can be had 

 this method is to be recommended. Sometimes the cost is greater 

 than other lights, but in no case is it very great considering the 

 benefits that may be derived. The Washington Experiment Sta- 

 tion found that one extra egg per day will pay for the lighting of 

 100 birds. 



Electric lights should be spaced about 15 feet apart through the 

 entire length of the house, and well toward the front of the build- 

 ing, so that the illumination will cover all of the floor under the 

 droppings boards and such like. Wherever possible avoid hang- 

 ing the lights where they will cause deep shadows. 



Where electrical current is not obtainable, though nowadays 

 many farmers and poultrymen find it economical to install their 

 own electric light plants, gasoline lamps are recommended. These 

 have enormous candlepower, and are widely used on the Pacific 

 Coast for lighting poultry houses. 



Gasoline mantle lamps come as individual lanterns which are 

 portable, or a number of lamps can be connected with a central 

 generating plant. The single lanterns are convenient for small 

 houses, whereas the central plant system is to be recommended 

 for long houses, requiring four or more lamps. 



Backyard poultry raisers and those who wish to experiment 

 with artificial lighting can try out the scheme with an ordinary 

 kerosene lamp or two. The disadvantages of this method of 

 lighting are that the kerosene lantern does not give forth a great 

 deal of illumination, and it requires constant refilling and clean- 

 ing. The fuel cost is also greater than electricity or gasoline for a 

 given amount of brilliancy. 



