CHAPTER XVIII 



THE INTERIOR OF THE POULTRY HOUSE 



The subject of. this chapter is the poultry house equip- 

 ment, commonly called the poultry fixtures or appliances. 

 They constitute those parts of the house which should be 

 movable, but are sometimes built to be stationary, though 

 the practice is an unwise one. 



ESSENTIAL FEATURES 



Simplicity both in design and construction is essential 

 for interior equipment, and the simpler it is the cheaper. 

 This is true not only because of the material required, but 

 the amount of labor necessary to construct it. The simpler 

 it is, too, the easier it will be to operate, and the plainer the 

 construction, the easier to disinfect it and keep it clean. 



Portability is an important consideration. All fixtures 

 should be so constructed that they can be readily removed and 

 put out of doors in the sun; the more complicated ones, such 

 as nests, so that they can be taken apart for cleaning. If 

 the fixtures, such as perches and nests, are movable, it is 

 much easier to keep the house free from mites and parasites. 

 The working qualities of the equipment are important also, 

 and all the parts should be well adapted to the purpose for 

 which they are to be used. Durability counts for much if 

 the appliances are often handled. They should be made 

 of material strong enough to last, well put together and 

 securely fastened to the walls or other places of attachment. 



Fixtures should be elevated above the floor. This leaves 

 the entire floor space to the birds, and decreases the cost of 

 housing per bird. Fixtures should be so made as to be easily 

 cleaned. If possible make them of hard wotxl, free from 

 cracks and crevices. Only dressed lumber should be used. 

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