62 POUL/TRY iOR PROFIT 
the plan of placing old tin pans or plates up¬ 
side down at the top of these posts and then 
setting the house on, thereby eliminating the 
danger of rats, as the rats cannot climb over 
the tin pans. If the house is to be a perma¬ 
nent structure it will be found best to lay a 
concrete floor, as this floor will last for all. 
time, and will not need repairing. Such a floor 
is rat proof, but must be covered with a good 
litter. 
If a new house is to be constructed, then it 
will be best to follow the principles laid down 
for a remodeled house to the extent of the 
open front, weather tight walls and roof, good 
floor, and dry living conditions. Wood is the 
most popular material that is used in building 
chicken houses. Generally, 2 by 4s placed about 
two feet apart are used for studding. Matched 
lumber or rough lumber aided by battens or 
roofing paper compose the walls, this making 
them free from drafts. The matched lumber 
is generally placed on the studding horizontally. 
The lumber should be dry and free from knot 
holes, and well nailed together. 
< 
For the roof, shingles can be used, or some 
of the prepared roofing paper on the market 
