SYSTEMS OF POULTRY KEEPING 89 



3. Difficulty of controlling disease when the flocks mingle. 



In a summary of advantages and disadvantages it appears that 

 the colony system is a system best adapted to mild climates, where 

 winters are short ; and that for its extensive development a farm 

 of considerable acreage is required. 



The advantages of an intensive system are : 



1 . More favorable conditions for the fowls in winter weather or 

 extremely rough weather at any season. 



2. Comfort and convenience of poultry keeper in bad weather. 



Fig. 93. The long houses are 200 feet long by 20 feet wide. The house at the ex- 

 treme right has small compartments for special matings. (Continuing Fig. 92) 

 (Photograph from Pittsfield Poultry Farm) 



3. Admits of keeping a large stock of adult birds (and young 

 ducks) on small areas. 



The disadvantages of an intensive system are : 



1. Unfavorable conditions for adult stock in warm weather and 

 unsuitable conditions for the breeding birds and young stock. 



2. Added cost of labor at all seasons when the birds should 

 be on range. 



3. Added cost of food at all seasons when the birds should be 

 on range. 



4. Increased cost of equipment, buildings costing, on the whole, 

 considerably more than for colonized flocks, and the cost of fences 

 being a comparatively large item. 



5. Contamination of land and expense of keeping small perma- 

 nent yards in good sanitary condition. 



