INTERIOR OF THE POULTRY HOUSE 189 



If these points are borne in mind when constructing appli- 

 ances, the poultry house will be much more satisfactory. The 

 following fixtures should receive most careful consideration. 

 Dropping Platform. — The dropping platform is a wooden 

 shelf, either stationary or movable, located under the perches, 

 to receive the droppings of the birds at night. In this way 

 it is easy to collect the droppings, and by keeping them out 

 of the litter the house is kept clean (Fig. 103). Some houses 

 have pits under the perches, instead of dropping boards, and 

 in the pit bark, shavings or other absorbent. The pit, 

 however, is objectionable. It is unsanitary, often more or 

 less offensive, and hard to keep free from parasites. 



Brace TioldiT}^ the 

 front of the pi at form. 



^^ 



1 



rapping Pfaiform . 



1 



Fig. 103. — Sketch stowing the best location of the dropping board, in the low, back 

 part of the house. 



Properly cared for, the droppings should be lightly cov- 

 ered with dry loam, sand or gypsum. This dries out the 

 moisture from the droppings, and keeps the house sweet 

 and clean. The droppings on such platforms should be 

 collected twice a week, at least, and oftener if possible. In 

 narrow pens dropping boards can be constructed in one 

 piece, and set on cleats, nailed to each side wall. The drop- 

 ping board can readily be removed by pulling it out, just as a 

 drawer is drawn out. The boards should run from back 

 forward to eliminate all danger of catching the hoe in cracks 

 between the boards when cleaning. 



Perches. — Perches are usually put in the low, back part 

 of the house above the dropping platform or dropping pit. 



