1904.] 



Housing of Poultry. 



*3 



rod to the front axle and wheel (C). When the house is resting the 

 front wheel remains between the iron framework (D) by which 

 it is protected. In operation the lever bar is raised, and by the 

 time it has reached the upright position the wheel in front has 

 been turned over, and that end of the house lifted up ; then by 

 pressing it down until level, the back wheels are reversed, and 

 the entire house elevated, when it is held firmly by the 

 clutch (E). Two strong bars in front (F), attached to the iron 

 framework, are placed to facilitate removal. To these a horse 

 can be yoked by means of chains, if that is desired. A strong 

 man can move unaided the house a few yards, and a youth or 

 girl can raise and lower it. The advantage of using three 

 wheels rather than four is that turning is more easily ac- 

 complished. 



In districts where foxes are troublesome great care must be 

 given to the closing in of birds at night, and not allowing them 

 out too early in the morning. Hence the labour of going round 

 several fields may be considerable, and this must tend to 

 limit the extent of the operations. Fig. 3 illustrates a form of 

 house designed effectively to protect the inmates and to mini- 

 mise work. Attached to this house, as part of the structure, 

 is a run consisting of stout framework, to which is fitted at 

 the sides, end, and top, wire netting, with a gate at one side. 

 A couple of wheels are provided, and as the house is slightly 

 cut away at the back, the entire structure can be removed by 

 lifting up the run in front by means of a bar which acts as a 

 handle. The advantage of attaching the run is that the fowls 

 are fed in it, and readily enter at the afternoon time of feeding, 

 when the gate is closed and they are effectively secured. It 

 would be a decided improvement if raising wheels were fitted to 

 this house, as the "cut away" at the back would be avoided. 

 The fowls are still in the open air, and can go to roost just when 

 they think fit, without needing any more attention. Further- 

 more, they can come out in the morning, as soon as it is daylight, 

 and " the early bird catches the worm," without risk of attack by 

 a fox, at a time when these marauders are most dangerous. 



Breeding stock can be kept in portable houses, and they will 

 be found to mix very seldom, provided that a male bird be 

 placed with each group of hens. It is better, however, to keep 



