SANITATION 



303 



or one-half of an inch. Either of these wih destroy offensive 

 odors and also absorb moisture. Whatever the type of drop- 

 ping board the droppings must be frequently removed. The 

 rule is to remove them daily, but on some commercial plants 

 twice a week is considered often enough (Fig. 167). They 

 must be removed whenever they become offensive. The 

 bad odor is due to lack of 

 material which will absorb 

 the moisture. When removed 

 from the poultry house, drop- 

 pings should be stored in 

 sheds or barrels with water- 

 proof covers (Fig. 1 68) . Prop- 

 erly taken care of, they make 

 a valuable fertilizer. 



Care of the Litter.— The 

 litter in the poultry houses 

 serves as a carpet, and its 

 condition materially affects 

 the welfare of the birds. 



The litter should be from 

 six to eight inches deep, 

 rather coarse, and dry, and 

 it must be kept clean. Old 

 litter should be removed and 

 replaced with new whenever 

 it becomes finely ground, or full of droppings. A good plan is 

 to begin in the fall after a general cleaning, and scatter three 

 or four inches of fresh, coarse litter on the floor (Fig. 169). 

 Frequently add more, until it is from six to eight inches deep. 

 When the litter becomes finely ground, the coarse material can 

 be pushed back, and the fine swept up and removed. Damp, 

 dirty litter is very detrimental to the health of the birds. 



General Cleaning. — The poultry house should be thor- 

 oughly cleaned at least twice a year, preferably in the spring 



Fig. 167. — Removing the droppings in 

 order to keep the house clean and sweet. 

 A hoe and pan is the best equipment to 

 use for the purpose. 



