THE AUSTRALASIAN 
BOOK OF POULTRY 
Chapter I. 
HOUSING AND GENERAL ACCOMMODATION OF POULTRY. 
This subject is of paramount importance if success in keeping Poultry is wished for, though Fowls can thrive 
and do well in very limited space, and with the simplest and most inexpensive surroundings, if kept perfectly 
dry and free from draught. It must be borne in mind that Fowls are very much akin to human beings in 
not being constituted to inhabit evil smelling, draughty, or badly drained dwellings, and retain health and 
appearance. The majority of the diseases Poultry are liable to can be distinctly traced to one or other of the 
causes mentioned, and it behoves all who have the well-being of Poultry at heart to remember the 
foregoing. 
In housing, the essentials to the welfare of the birds are : Avoid overcyoivding, provide proper ventilation 
and good light (as Fowls are distinctly averse to occupying a dark or dismal domicile), see that they are well 
protected from the excessive heat experienced in these Southern latitudes during the summer, and from the 
wind and rain. These precautions taken at the outset, and combined with cleanliness and care in feeding, 
will ultimately bring their own reward. 
It is not necessary to plan and build elaborate and expensive houses, and, in fact, they are not desirable 
for many weighty reasons, and to anyone possessing health and strength, combined with a little knack and 
energy, the profit and pleasure derivable from themselves planning and building their own fowl-houses, will 
amply repay for the trouble, and it does not require the ability and qualifications of an architect to design a 
useful lean-to house or two, which will answer, in the majority of cases, where only a few birds are kept. 
In keeping the feathered-leg varieties — such as Cochins or Brahmas — dry runs as well as dry houses 
must be provided, otherwise the foot feathering will quickly get out of order, and the appearance of the birds 
will be more or less sacrificed. 
Where a few birds are kept for home requirements, — eggs, and an occasional chicken for the table — a 
simple and inexpensive lean-to house, erected against a fence or wall, will generally answer all purposes, and 
if built of wood, with roof of the same material or galvanised iron, will provide good and comfortable quarters 
for the inmates. Any person handy with tools may in a few hours build a creditable house with a few 
batfens for the frame, a couple of good-sized packing cases, a few feet of wire netting, and some one and two 
inch wire nails, and one that, when lime-washed occasionally, will look respectable. It is also advisable to 
erect an open shed, attached to the side or front of the house (in the most convenient position), for the birds 
to resort to in windy, rainy, or hot weather, as fowls have an extreme dislike to occupying the roosting house 
in the daytime. Fig. 1 is of simple construction, and very easily erected, showing a small slielte/ shed at the side. 
Where possible a northerly or north-easterly aspect is best suited for this climate, as the sun assists consider- 
ably in keeping the house sweet and dry. ' 
