Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 41, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 August 1912 — POULTRY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

POULTRY

COLONY HOUSE IS PROFITABLE Possesses Many Decided Advantages Over Permanent Houses—All Fixtures Made Removable.

Portable colony houses for the farm flock possess a decided advantage over the large permanent house. I make them, however, just as large as the weight will permit. My aim is to have them of such weight that they, can be moved anywhere on the farm at any season of the year, writes J. T. Campbell in the New England Homestead. When hard and native lumber is used, the maximum size is 7x9 feet, with rear wall 5 feet 2 inches and front wall 6 feet 10 Inches. This permits the use of 12-foot boards without waste, and buildings high enough to work in with comfort. If light lumber is used in construction the cost is increased somewhat, and we secure the advantage of more room. We find the farm team can handle a 7x12 or Bxlo house of this kind. We use no upright frame at all. The building is operated by the vertical siding. The runners on which these houses rest are made from 4x4 hardwood, and are placed the longer way of the house, set under 12 inches from each side and the ends flush. This keeps the runners from weather exposure, and If care is used to keep them blocked they last as long ah the building. The one shown in the accompanying ploture is the latest model. It is an object to provide for the admission of an abundance of fresh air without

dYaft. In our earlier buildings we were compelled to use a curtain to keep out the storms or snow. We found this curtain more or lejs of a : nuisance, and have gotten rid of it in the type of house shown. The roof projects over the opening 2 feet and acts as an awning. It keeps out snow and rain, but admits plenty of air. Three sides of the building are lined under with a cheap grade of two-ply roofing felt, which prevents any wind blowing through cracks and causing drafts. Single board floors are used. Perches are in the back part of the building, with dropping board - under them. Nest boxes are under the dropping board to economize space. The water vessel is placed on a shelf 18 Inches from the floor. I prefer to have all the fixtures, such as nest boxes, perches and dropping boards, removable. One of these little houses accommodates 30 to 35 Leghorn fowls.

Colony House In Position.