Poultry Litter *and 
Production . 
F EW things connected with the management of Poultry are 
of more importance than Litter. The best Poultry Farmers are 
finding more than ever before that the health and production 
of the flock, and consequently the profits, depend to a large degree 
upon the right kind of litter. This matter, so often not given the 
care and attention it deserves, may easily mean the difference 
between profit and loss in the year’s business. 
WHY USE LITTER? 
The reason is clear if we consider the purpose for which litter 
is used. What is the litter for, and what should it do? 
In the first place, it promotes exercise. It conceals a part of 
the scratch grain, making the birds work to find it. This exercise 
is good for the birds, of course. In fact it is essential for hens 
confined to the laying houses. 
Another object is cleanliness. The litter should furnish a clean 
environment for the flock. It should catch and dry up the 
droppings, and keep them from sticking to the floor. It thus 
helps to keep clean the feet and feathers of the birds themselves, 
and indirectly the eggs they lay. 
But there is a still more important purpose. A good litter 
helps to control the temperature and humidity o£ the poultry 
house. It acts as an insulator. In winter it keeps the birds off 
the cold, damp floor, and prevent? much of the room heat from 
escaping. Likewise, it tends to keep the houses cool during the 
heat of summer. Its greatest benefit, however, is in absorbing 
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atmospheric moisture, and keeping the interior of the house dry. 
This is more important even than ventilation. Cold, damp houses 
are among the chief contributing reasons for the spread of such 
diseases as roup and chicken pox, which so seriously reduce 
production. The trouble is lessened in houses properly littered. 
THE DESIRABLE LITTER. 
If a litter is to do all this, it must have certain essential 
qualities. It should be light and loose ; that is, it should bulk 
up into large volume when spread out. In addition, it should be 
dry, and should be a good absorbent. These are necessary if 
the litter is to absorb the atmospheric moisture and keep the 
house dry. It should, at the same time, dry up the droppings 
and absorb odours, thus keeping the atmosphere of the poultry 
house pleasant. It should prevent conditions that cause the spread 
of disease, and it should be unfavourable to the development of 
lice and other vermin. 
The desirable litter is one that is easily handled, durable and 
economical. It should not need to be changed often, and should 
not stick to the floor. When removed, it should make a good 
fertiliser or compost. Finally, it should not be of a readily 
inflammable material. 
KINDS OF LITTER. 
Before the importance of litter was properly appreciated, 
numerous materials were commonly used, which to-day are con¬ 
sidered unsatisfactory by the best Poultrymen. 
Leaves, grass and weeds, for example, quickly break up, 
become dirty and dusty, pack down, and are not absorbent. 
Coarse hav also becomes packed, is susceptible to dampness, and 
may soon turn mouldy. 
Straw, a litter often used, is a very poor absorbent, on account 
of its glazed surface, and unless changed often, may result in a 
damp, clammy house. Besides, it contributes considerably to the 
risk of fire. 
Sawdust and shavings act as absorbents, but only to a limited. 
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