6 POtJLTKT LABOBATOBY GUIDE 



arrangement and method of construction. Are 

 they all on the same level, or is one above the 

 other in the form of steps ? Which arrangement 

 is best, and why ? 



Measiu-e the distance from the gromid to the 

 roost. They should always be near enough to 

 the ground so that the birds can fly to them 

 easily. (From one to three feet, depending on 

 the breed.) If dropping-boards are used, the 

 roosts should be raised at least six inches above 

 them to admit of easy cleaning. Measure the 

 total length of roost and determine the nimaber 

 of fowls it will accommodate, allowing the follow- 

 ing space for the various breeds : the small egg 

 breeds require from six to seven inches of roost 

 per bird; the medium-sized fowls, such as Ply- 

 mouth Rocks, from seven to nine inches; and the 

 heavy Brahmas and Cochins, from eight to ten 

 inches. 



The perches should be constructed with the 

 idea of convenience for the fowls and so arranged 

 that the droppings will be caiight without drop- 

 ping to the floor or soiling the Utter, and so that 

 they will be left in an easy position for cleaning 

 and removing. 



Are the perches movable; if so, what is the 

 advantage ? 



Dropping-board. — Note the kind of lumber 



