Evening Republican, Volume 17, Number 280, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 November 1913 — POULTRY [ARTICLE]

POULTRY

CARE OF THE POULTRY HOUSE. Study the Comfort of the Fowls If You Desire Large Egg Production. Of all the buildings on the farm, the poultry house usually receives the least attention, says Indiana Farmer. We have seen some of the best farms in the country with a little old sha’Ckly pen for a poultry house. It would seem that the farmers would become more Interested in poultry since the price for eggs has been so high for so long, but they think the hen is a shifter and do not seem to think It would do any good to Improve her quarters. If it is too small enlarge it by all means. A house 10 by SO feet woul<L not too large for a hundred hens. They need plenty of space for a roosting room and then a larger space for the scratching or living room. They should not be compelled to stay in the same room where they roost. They will stay out in the wet and cold rather than do that, and who would blame them. Fowls must have protection on stormy days or they will not lay. Don’t put in a ventilator, and If you have one in nail it up. They are death trapß. Instead of this, line the Inside of the house with some tarred paper and nail cleats over the cracks on the outside. Some farmers place corn foddedr up against the sides of corn fodder up against the sides of a great help. Place some windows on the south side of the living room to let in the light and heat of the sun. This will be found quite beneficial to the fowls in winter. The floor should be perfectly tight so no draft can blow up through it. If a dirt floor is used it should be high enough to keep dry. If it is damp It should be dispensed with and a board floor made. The roost should be made rather low and on a level. A roost that slants causes the fowls tqxrdwd together upon the higher poles, and by pushing one another off 'injures, usually the best laying hens.