


A SUCCESSFUL BROODER HOUSE. 175 
benefit of all the available warmth. Repeated tests in the 
house under discussion demonstrated that in cold weather the 
temperature at the level of the alley floor is fourteen degrees 
lower than at the chick floor but 3% feet above. And finally, 
the amount of side wall exposed to the weather is reduced 
nearly one-half, quite a consideration in wind-swept positions. 
The disadvantage of the plan becomes evident only when it is 
found necessary to enter the pens for any purpose. It is in- 
convenient because of the necessary climb to enter the pen and 
the confined space in which to do the work. But it has been 
found unnecessary to get into the pens except on rare occa- 
sions, so this is not a serious drawback. 
The site selected for this house is a knoll sloping slightly to 
the north and abruptly to the east. The alley was formed by 
digging a trench of the required depth along the north side of 
the site of the proposed structure. Parallel stone walls 4 feet 
apart were then laid in this trench and carried to a height of 
3% feet. These were joined by a wall of the same height at 
the west end, the east end being reserved asa doorway. When 
laying the wall on the south side of the alley, provision was 
nade for three lamp pits, each 2% x 5 feet and 1 foot in depth 
as indicated upon the plans. Each pit accommodates the heat- 
ers of two brooders. 
The rest of the foundation isa simple wall varying in height 
according to the slope of the land, but carried to the same 
level as the alley walls. Finally the entire floor was cemented, 
including the bottoms of the lamp pits, the cement in the chick 
pens being at the level of the top of the foundation walls. 
Because of the small size of the building, the frame is con- 
structed entirely of 2 x 4 inch material, except the sills, which 
are4 x 4inch. The walls are 3% feet in height. The roof 
is an even span, with a rise of 2 feet. The rafters are tied 
with collar beams which are spiked on level 7% feet from the 
alley floor. ‘The entire frame is covered with 7 inch matched 
boards, with one-ply Flintkote upon the roof and Swan’s extra 
heavy felt upon the sides. This gives an absolutely wind- 
proof structure. Eaves- troughs are required to carry from 
the roof the water which might otherwise make its way into 
the building. 
