THE CONSTRTJCTION OF POULTRY HOUSES 179 



types to construct. The front studding is 9 feet long and 

 the rear studding 4J^ feet. The rafters, Hke the other frame- 

 work, may be made of yellow pine. A 2 by 6 girder extends 

 the whole length of the building, the rafters resting on this 

 girder; 4 by 4 posts support this girder, the same being placed 

 every 4 feet. These posts are set on concrete piers. The ends, 

 sides, and roof should be boarded up with 6-inch tonged and 

 grooved yellow pine. It is customary in cold countries to 

 cover the back with roofing paper. The top is to be covered 

 with good tar roofing paper. All paper joints must be care- 

 fully lapped and cemented. 



Fig. 70. — Three-sided mesh poultry wire, which is an improvement over the 



six-sided mesh. 



The muslin curtains in the front wall are hinged at the top 

 and can be lifted up and hooked at the top till stormy or 

 intensely cold weather, when it can be let down. In order 

 that there be an abundance of light at these times 3 by 5 feet 

 glass sash are placed in the front. In warm climates, where it 

 is not essential to have muslin curtains, the expense of these 

 windows can be saved by not constructing them. 



It will be noted that the dropping boards and roosts are at 

 the extreme back, which takes the birds back into the recess 

 and ensures that they are not in a draft which would be in- 

 jurious to their health. The nests can be so constructed that 

 the front, in which the hen enters, is rather hidden, and a trap 



