~i.T«/?Vl MEMORIAL POULTRY LIBRARY, ■fHE Gift Of Thvm/avavwYavvavvMvvvvvvvv^ ALBERT R. MANN LIBRARY New York State Colleges OF Ar.Rir.IILTURE AND HOME ECONOMICS SF 486.B8r"'"""*'''""-"'"^>' "°'llJ™i!i?,.ffite.?PPl!?^^^^^^^ to mak 3 1924 003 119 678 OTHER YOLOMES BY E. T. BROWN. POULTRY FOR PROFIT. Crown 8vo. Ctotb. With 15 full-page Illustrations. Price 3/6 net (postage 5d,) , FARM TRACTORS. Ifully Illustrated. Crown 8ro. Cloth. Price 3/6 net (postage 4d. ) PROFITABLE POULTRY KEBPINQ. For Smallholders and others. With Photographs and many Diagrams. Stiff paper wrapper. Price x/6 net (postage 3d.) DUCKS, QBESB, AND TURKEYS. Illus- trated with Photographs and Diagrams. Stiff paper wrapper. Price x/6 net (postage 3d,) ONE THOUSAND ANSWERS TO ONE THOUSAND QUESTIONS ON SMALL- HOLDINQ SUBJECTS. Stiff boards. Price 1/6 net (postage 3d.) 5T0CK FBBDINQ MADE EASY. Stiff paper wrapper. Price 1/6 net (postage 3d.) C. ARTHUR I^EARSON, LTD. HOME-MADE POULTRY. APPLIANCES The original of tliis bool< is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31 9240031 1 9678 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES WHAT TO MAKE AND HOW TO MAKE IT prT.:^OWN j)« //■ AUTHOK OF i' POULTRY FOR PROFIT," " 1000 ANSWERS TO 1000 ftlTESTIONS," " PROFITABLE POULTRY KEEPING," " FARM TRACTORS," ETC. ETC. ILLUSTRATED BY 87 DIAGRAMS London C. Arthur Pearsoii, Ltd. Henrietta Street 192 1 PREFACE The poultry-keeper who is able to majce his own houses, brooders, coops, and troughs can reduce his capital expenditure vety greatly. It is not too much to say that he can save froin 40 to 50 per cent, even though he has to buy timber specially for the purpose. If he is able to use up odd pieces of wood, crates, and boxes he can reduce his initial expendi- ture upon appliances almost to vanishing point. In the following pages an endeavour has been made;to show in the simplest language exactly how poultry appliances can be ;made by the veriest novice. Technical details have been carefully avoided, while the fact that in all- cases exact quantities of materials have been given should render the task of making appliances a, simple job to anyone who is able to handle a hammer ana a saw. The man who makes his own appliances scores in three separate ways. He is able to carry out his own i(ieas ; he is able to save a considerable amount of money ; and he is able to put good material into his work. Apart from these manifest advantages there is the further point that one derives great pleasure in constructing one's own houses, coops, brooders, etc., to one's own designs. Creative work is always fascinating. CONTENTS CHAPTER PAGB I. The Amateur Carpenter . . .13 li. The Choice of Materials .... 17 Iir. The Value of Plans 29 -IV, Making Joints 35 V. -Laying Out a Poultry Yard ■ • • 39 VI. General Principles of Poultry Plant Construction 47 VII. Various Forms of Poultry Houses . . 54 VIII. Inside the Poultry House .... 83 IX. Poultry Runs '96 X. Natural Hatching— Sheds and Appliances 102 XI. Incubator Houses and Incubators . . no XII. Brooder Houses and Brooders XIII. Fattening Sheds, Cages, &c. XIV. Duck and Duckling Houses. XV. Goose and Turkey Houses . Index 118 131 141 ^ 149 «S3 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES CHAPTER I THE AMATEUR CARPENTER If you want a thing really well done you must do it yourself. The truth of this statement is proved over and over again every year in every poultry yard in the kingdom. The present-day poultry-keeper has perforce to be more or less a Jack-of-all4rades. He must be able to turn his hand to all manner of jobs. That is, of course, unless he wishes to spend his profits- in labour. There is, perhaps, no knowledge that comes in so opportunely as that of carpenter's work. There is so much wood 6mployed for houses and appliances, and there is a constant need for renewals and repairs. This class of work is practically the limit of the novice's capabilities. After a while, however, he gains sufficient experience to enable him to tackle • much larger jobs and, moreover, to cpmplete them successfully. '3 14 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES WHAT HE CAN DO Poultry-house building presents no untoward difficulties, but, as in every other direction, a know- ledge of the various operations is essential. It is this knowledge which turns a" novice into a skilled amateur. It is this knowledge which will enable you to erect your own poultry buildings and con- struct the necessary appliances. There is no reason why you as an amateur car- penter should not succeed where others have sue ceeded. There is no reason why you should not be able to design and construct every article in wood which you require for your poultry. It is, of course, possible for you to purchase all that you need in the way of houses, incubators, brooders, fattening cages and the like. You will find yourself, however, in a difficulty if you elect to buy. In the first place, you are not likely to find a house designed accordiiig to your own ideas. It Js necessary, therefore, to effect a compromise. At any rate, you will have to accept a house which does not entirely meet with your approval. It is accepted since it is the nearest approach to your ideal. JERRY-BUILT VERSUS EXPENSIVE HOUSES In the second place, a choice will have to be made between a cheap house and an expensive one. ^ The difference in price is not due to profiteering on the part of the majcer of the latter. The difference lies THE AMATEUR CARPENTER 15 in the quality of the material employed and the quality of the workmanship. It is not as though it were only a matter of a few shillings between the one and the other ; it is frequently %a difference of pounds. The only cheapness which can be tolerated is that cheapness bom of excellence. One cannot say for a moment that this.is the form of cheapness found in a cheap poultry house. Far from it, since such a structure is generally jerry-built of very inferior material. It is jerry-built in that the framework is chiefly noticeable by its absence. The houses are weak, and although they may last one ,or two seasons, they never give satisfaction. Again, the material is too thin. It does not afford sufficient protection for the inmates in this cold, changeable cUmate of ours. Lastly, the timber is onljrpartia.Uy seasoned. It is affected by cUmatic conditions, with the result that the joints between the boards open, making the interior draughty and linfit for the birds. Well-built houses of properly seasoned wood are expensive. They are excellent in-many ways, but -they are expensive. Your banking account may be quite able to meet the strain of investing in such buildings, but if you are keeping fowls with the object of making them pay you do not want ,to burden the business with too great a capital outlay. Many highly successful undertakings have come to grief -for this reason alone. The ideal is to equip the plant thoroughly well for the smallest sum possible. i6 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES THE THREE MAIN POINTS '"^^^ The poultry-keeper who makes his own appliances and builds his own houses derives three great advan- tages. First of all he can carry out his own ideas, erecting the structures jalong lines laid down by himself. There are many labour-saving devices which he may wish to incorporate in the hoiises and many improvements which he may desire to effect. The first advantage, therefore, is that the finished building is just as the owner wishes it to be. The second advantage is that the home-built house costs no more than the cheap one referred to above. The question of the price of labour does not intrigue the amateur carpenter, since the labour involved is his-own. Lastly, although the cost, is only that of a cheap house, the quaUty is equal to, if not better than, the expensive form of building. It comes to this, that by building your own appliances you will get th^ as good as the best which can be bought and at a figure no higher than the cost of a jerry-built cheap make. There is one further point, but I do not propose to lay much stress on it, n9,mely, the great pleasure and enjojmient which is derived from constructing one's own houses to one's own designs. Creative work is always fascinating, and this, therefore, should be classed among the advantages which accrue to the amateur carpenter. CHAPTER II THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS For the construction of the majority of the build- ings, houses and appliances used on a poultry farm timber is. undoubtedly* the best to employ, A wooden house, if properly built of sound material, affords sufficient protection to the inmates.- It is quite unnecessary to use bricks for the construction of any building or house which is to be used for fowls. It is essential, however, that the material selected shall be well seasoned. Fresh cut wood is unsuited to the purpose, and no satisfactory house can be built therefrom. It stands to reason the well- seasoned woo'd is^more expensive, but the difference in cost is much more than made good by its more durable qualities. Three kinds of boarding can be used for the main parts of the house. For' the walls and roof- either tongued and grooved boarding (matching or match- boarding) or weather-boarding may be employed. The former, as the name -implies, is so cut that the tongue of one board fits into a groove on the next board. In this way a sohd area is produced. Weather-boarding, on the other hand, is cut with B tj i8 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANcks one edge thinner than the other, and the thicker edge overlaps the thinner of the next board. There are two kinds of weather-boarding, as will be seen frona Fig. i. ^ The third kind of boarding is known as sawn boards. These are square-edged and unplaned. This wood is generally employed for the roof — ^when it is afterwards to\ be covered with felt and corru- gated iron or iron alone — and for some of the internal fittings, such as nests. THICKNESS AND WIDTH OF MATCHING When buying matching there are two points to be taken into consideration. In the first place, the timber must be sufficiently thick to afford protec- tion to the inmates. For a permanent house, if the , wood is to be used alone, it should not be less than I in. in thickness. In the case of a portable house — a too heavy house is undesirable — ^thinner match- THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS 19 ing, say, fin, thick, covered with felt ortarred brown paper, should prove ample. The second point is with reference to the width. It may be ^ken that the wider the boarding the more expensive it is per square. For this reason it is advisable to select matching which is about 5 in. or 6 in. wide. Two very common (widths are 5J in. and 7 in. In the following chapters, wherein specifi- cations of various houses are given, I have calculated all boarding at 7 in. wide. Fig. 2. Reference has been made to a square of boarding in the preceding paragraph. All boardings matching and sawn boards is bought, by the lOo sq. ft., irre- spective of thickness or width. This is termed a square, and the price varies according to the width and thickness of the boards. Three-ply Wood This is an excellent material for making parti- tions and some of the smaller internal sfittings in a ao HOME-MADE POULTRY ^APPLIANCES poultry house. It is particularly strong, and being thin takes up considerably less room than ordinary boarding. It is sold in sheets varying in size up to 6 sq. ft. The Fmmifng For the various forms of appliances, houses and buildings which are used on a poultry farm many different kinds of framing are employed. For some of the smaller structures wood 2 iir. by i in. is quite heavy enough. "For. houses up to lo ft. by 20 ft., 2 in. by 2 in., with 3 in. by 2 in. for the sills at the bottom of the structure, wiU answer the purpose. For larger buildings, such as fattening sheds and incubator houses, 3 in. by 2 in. for the main part of the building, with perhaps 4 in. by 2 in. for the roof rafters and 5 in. by 2 in. for the ridge, should prove sujfficient. The size of the rafters and ridge is governed by the roofing material which is used. .For instance, a roof made of sawn boards and corru- gated iron is heavy, and therefore requires consider- . ably more support than a plain wooden roof. Framing wood is bought by the 100 ft. run— that is, pieces totalling 100 ft. irrespective of size. FOUNDATIONS, Small houses which are erected in a dry spot require no special foundations. The ground should be levelled and a base made of ashes. When the ashes have been weU beaten down a httle tar can be sprinkled on top. This forms an excellent base on which to rest the house. THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS 21 When foundations are needed, it stands to reason that their strength must be in proportion to the weight-4feey have to carry. A laying-house, say, 10 ft. deep by 20 ft. long, can either be stood on a foundation of bricks ; or a very excellent material to use when it can be obtained is old railway sleepers. It is, however, generally very difficult to procure them. For similar sized houses bricks are the best to employ ; but for large buildings, or heavy build- ings, such as a double-waUed incubator house, a cement base is preferable. When a wooden floor is fitted to any building, it is necessary to. build foundations for the support of the floor joists. These can either be of brick or cement. (See Fig. 4.) Bricks A stock brick is 8| in. by 4I in. by 2^ in., and weighs about 5 lb. When bricks are laid they occupy a space 9 in. by 3 in. by~4i in. . Mortar is used for binding the bricks together, and this is made from sand, lime and water in the proportion of_6 bus., 3 bus. and 14 gals, respectively. A cubic yard of brickwork takes 410 bricks, 6| cub. ft. of sand and 2| cub. ft. of Ume. The quantity of sand used depends largely on the quality of the lime. It is sometimes possible to use 4 parts of sharp sand to I of Hme. Cement To make cement foundations for a large house use I part of Portland cement to 6 or 7 of broken stone, burnt ballast, shingle, gravel or slag. What- 22 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES ever material is employed, it must be free from loam, mud, fine sand or dirt of any kind. A_ wooden mould must be made, and it is necessary to soap the inner walls. The width of the base is governed by the size and weight of thfe structure. It should, however, not be less than i ft. deep nor less than 9 in. in width. The supports for the floor joists should measure 9 in. square. To make the floor rigid these should be 3 ft. apart when 3 in. by 2 in. joists are used. FLOORS Jilany different materials are employed for floors, and to a great extent the choice of material is de- cided by the use to. which the house is to be put. One thing is essential, however, with all floors, namely, that the upper surface should be at least 4 in. higher than the surrounding ground. If other- wise, there is always the probability that the floor will be damp. Dampness is fatal in poultry-keeping, except in the case of the floor of a sitting-hen house. THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS 23 when a certain degree of humidity in the flooring material is highly desirable. Earth Floors ♦ For an ordinary poultry house, an incubator house or a fattening shed the practice of making an earth floor is not to be recommended. It is not only that the earth tends to hold the r^oisture — even if raised above the ground level — ^but such a floor is difficult to clean. The fowls, moreover, scratch it up, and it is difficult to keep an earth floor in a decent state of repair. A floor made of this material, however, is excellent for a house used exclusively for broody hens. Ashes and Tar A mixture of these two constitutes an excellent flooring material for poultry houses and ^ttening sheds. The following is a successful method of pre- paring this kind of floor : The natural earth should be well, but roughly, beaten down. Ashes to the depth of 3^ in,, after being tightly trodden or rolled down, are placed on top of the earth. The upper crust of the floor is made by laying on a thin coating of sifted ashes which has been just damped with tar. This must be beaten down, and a sprinkling of fine sand on top will complete the floor. Such a floor requires a few days to harden. Gravel Good binding gravel can also be employed for making floors for poultry houses and fattening sheds. 24 HOME-MADE POtfLTRY APPLIANCES This must be well, rammed .down, and the upper inch should be made from finer gravel than that used for the bottom tiiree inches. If properly pre- pared, such a floor gives most satisfactory results. Wooden Floors Wooden floors should only be used for two types of buildings. In the case of portable/houses such floors are a necessity, since there is no really satis- factory method of making a fairly large house movable and at the same time floorless. A small house for growing stock which is sufficiently light to be lifted can be constructed so that it rests on iia»imm»»miii\imimimmmm\\vm\\m'\'\\'mx^'^\^\i5k^^ Fig. 4. THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS 25 the ground, but even here it is generally found advisable to fix in a floor. When wood is employed for this purpose it should never be less than i in. in thickness, and it must be well supported by a goodly number of joists. A wooden floor must be very carefully made, since ground draughts are fatal to fowls. A wooden floor can also be used for incubator houses. Here, however, heavier timber must be used, since the shghtest vibration is very detrimental to hatching eggs. Floor boards ij in. to i^ in. thick should be employed and well secured to foists at least 3 in. by 2 in. Concrete Floors Undoubtedly the best flooring for an incubator shed is concrete. Concrete can be made of i part of Portland cement to 4 parts of gravel and 2 of sand. When this has been laid it should be levelled off roughly and allowed to dry. When dry, the surface should be wetted and a layer of concrete made of I part of Portland cement to 4 parts of clean sand spread on top. This must be levelled off evenly with a trowel and allowed to set. A concrete floor for an incubator shed should not be less than i ft. in depth, and, injthe case of a large building, it is advisable to have it sUghtly deeper. THE ROOF The choice of materials for the construction of the roof should be guided by the size of the house 26 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES and the purpose for which it is Imilt. For ordinary poultry houses a roof composed of f-in. sawn boards, covered with a reliable roofing felt, should prove sufficient. In other cases', wooH can be used alone, but it should then be at least i in thick, and either tongued and grooved or weather-boarding, so that no rain can penetrate. Corrugated iron should never be used by itself for roofing, since it causes the interior of the build- ing to be too hot in summer and too cold in winter. Placed above boarding-^with an air space and a layer of felt ietween — ^however, it is particularly, useful. An incubator house should always be roofed in this manner, for it is desirable to maintain an even temperature within. STRIPS OF WOOD Fig. s. Corrugated iron is heavy, and therefore this fact must, be taken into account when determining the size of the rafters. A loo sq. ft. of No. 16 gauge weighs about a'cwts. A square of No. 20 weighs approximately i cwt. 2 qrs. This is a consider- able addition to the weight of a plain wooden roof THE CHOICE OF MATERIALS 27 Thick brown paper is sometimes used in place of felt for roofing purposes. It can also be used for covering the walls of a house. The wood is first of all tarred, and while the tar is still wet the brown paper is stuck on. The outer surface of the paper is then given two coats of tar, and directly after the last coat fine sand is sprinkled evenly over. WHEELS The only satisfactory method of making a house portable is to place it on wheels. At various times suggestions have been made for using detachable wheels or a system of wheels whereby one set would answer the purpose for any number of houses. Fig. 6. These, however, have never proved particularly efficient. Two stout axles made of 4J in. by 3^ in. quartering should be fixed across the under side of the sills of the house, and to both ends of each a strong stub axle should be securely bolted! 28 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Iron wheels are mounted on the stub axles. Such wheels should not be less than 2 in. in width with a diameter of at least 10 in. Large houses naturally require larger wheels in proportion to the weight which has to be carried. ' CHAPTER III THE VALUE OF PLANS As I have already suggested, oneoi the chief advan- tages of building your own poultry houses and appliances is that you can follow your own ideas. For this reason I cannot hope to illustrate and de- scribe every form and type of house, building and appliance which it is possible to construct. At most i can but give particulars and specifications of sample buildings, but in such a way that theayerage amateur carpenter should be able to gain sufficient knowledge to enable him to make his own plans and follow them. The various houses with which I deal are all de- signed on scientific Hnefs, and the method suggested for constructing them is the most simple which ig known. Even if followed in their entirety they wiU one and all prove highly satisfactory in use. '' THE FIRST STEP When you have once and for all determined in your own mind exactly what form the house or appHance you propose to build is to take, the first thing to do is to place your design on paper. It is 29 30 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES most difficult — ^with a house of any dimensions, at any rate— to work from a mind picture alone. It doesn't matter at all whether you have learnt drawing or not, you should be able to plan out with a pencil and ruler the different parts of the building. It is but seldom necessary to draw a plan of the foundations. These can usually be laid straight away. The first plan to tackle is, therefore, the framework. Consider carefully what size framing will be required and locate the exact spot where each joint must be made. This does not necessitate your drawing the framing to scale. It will suffice if the exact measurements are written down, so that, when you come to construct the house, you will know what length each- individual piece of wood must be and where each joint piust be cut. This may appear a rather intricate job, but in reahty it is nothing of the sort. If you look over any of the plans given in Chapters VII, X, XI, XII, XIV or XV, and read the detailed specifica- tions given in each instance, you will reaUse that the matter is a quite simple one. Even if it presents a few difficulties at the outset, a httle practice will quitkly enable you to figure out your own require- ments for yourself. ESTIMATING QUANTITIES The plan of the framing is the only one which it is essential to draw. From it you will be in a position to estimate the exact quantity of material THE VALUE OF PLANS 31 required, whether it be framing or matching. From the same plan you can also determine the amount of felt or corrugated iron needed for the roof. Knowing the length of each piece of framing necessary, the total quantity required can be calcu- lated. There is bound, however, to be a certain amount of wastage, since there will be a number of odd ends left. The wastage can be reduced to a minimum by carefully selecting the original lengths from which the various pieces are to be cut. Many of the odd ends, moreover, will come in handy afterwards for the internal fittings of the house. It is advisable to reckon that the total amount of framing needed will be 10 % to 15 % more than the total of the pieces which constitute the framing. This figure is only approximate, since the percentage of wastage depends in great measure on the care which is taken in cutting the various lengths. It may be taken, however, that it is a fair average in the majority of cases. It will be noted that this is the figure I have selected in the examples given. THE BOARDING To calculate the quantity of boarding required is "also an easy matter. The mean height of the house, its width and length are known, and these measure- ments are sufficient. The mean height of the house is obtained by adding together the highest and lowest parts of the house and dividing by 2. For instance, a lean-to house 7^ ft. high in front and 32 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES 6 ft. high at the back has a mean height of 6| ft. Again, a gable house 9 ft. to the ridge and 6^ ft. to the eaves has a mean height of 7 ft. 9 in. In estimating the quantity of boarding it must be remembered that there must be an overlap at' each end of the back and front equal to the thick- ness of the matching used. To obtain the amount necessary for the ends, multiply the mean height in feet by the width of the house aiid multip^ly by 2. This will give the quantity for the two ends in square feet. For the back and front of the house respectively multiply the height by the length, plus double the thickness of the boarding, and the answer is the superficial area to be covered. In the case of the front any wire-netted portion must he deducted. ^ ,. When it comes to a question of the roof the over- lap must be reckoned. It is advisable to allow the roof to protrude at least 3 in. all round, so as Xsf prevent the rain from penetrating. The slope of the roof must also be taken into account, since the exact width of the roof is greater thian the width of the house itself. THE PITCH OF THE ROOF The pitch of the roof wiU depend on the material employed. When corrugated iron is used, the slope need not be so great, as when wood alone or wood and felt are employed. It is sufficient in the case of a lean-to house if an iron roof has a slope of 7| % THE VALUE OF PLANS 33 to 10 % of the width of the house ; whereas a wooden roof should stope not less than 15 % of the width of the house, or, iii other words, i ft. 6 in. for every 10 ft. in width. A. gable house requires a greater pitch to the roof, since the highest part is generally in the centre. In this case the figure just given must be doubled — that is, 15 % to 20 % must be allowed for an iron roof and not less than 30 % for a wodfden roof. In working out the materials required for the roof of a lean-to house allow, in addition to the length of the house, double the thickness of the matching plus 6 in. for, overlap. For the width allow, say, 3 in. in a 10 ft. house for the slope plus double the thickness of the match-boarding and 6 in. for the overlap, all of which must be added to the .,width of therhouse at the bottom. By multiplying these two measurements together the ar6a of the roof can be determined. The quantity of felt rffeeded can be calculated in the same way, but an addi- tional overlap of 3 in. must be allo^sred all round for securing underneath the overlap of the wooden roof. This means that 6 in. must be added to both the width and the length. To ensure a watertight roof the corrugated iron sheets should overlap about 6 in. . The bolts or rivets; with washers, must be on the ridge of the iron and not in the valleys ; otherwise the roof will leak. Three .pounds of rivets are required for every -100 sq. ft. of iron roofing. Felt is generally 32 in. wide, and a 2 in. overlap should be allowed. Broad- 34 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES headed nails must be used for felt, and they should be put in close together wherever two pieces join. To estimate the requisite material for the internal fittings is not difficult, and therefore does not caU for any further notice than that given in Chapter . VIII. CHAPTER IV MAKING JOINTS It is not necessary when making small appliances, such as coops, nest-boxes and the like, to join the framing together by letting one piece into the other. These apphances can be made suihciently strong without going to so much trouble. In the case of poultry houses and the permanent sheds it is essen- tial to make firm joints s^erever two pieces of wood meet. All joints should be cut to fit tightly, the one piece into the other, and ta secure them they should be fastened with wooden pegs and the whole glued. If the joints have been properly made they will be as strong, if not stronger than the original wood. Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate the various joints in common use in poultjry house construction, and they explain themselves. In Fig. 7 A and B represent those joints in which one-haJf of each piece of wood is cut away. These are joints at right angles. C and D show a half and half joint at an angle of 45 degrees, or half a right angle above the horizontal. E and F show a Corner joint used in erecting a small portable run. A better joint than the half and half is that shown 35 36 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES in A and B (Fig. 8), and known as the tenon and mortise joint. In this case one-third of the end of one piece is left, and this fits into a hole, correspond^: ing in size, either at the end or in the length of the second piece. This joint is very much stronger, and should always be used for large structures. C and D in Fig. 8 illustrate a good method of joining the rafters and the ridge together in a gable house. E shows a simple method of attaching the Jraming of the roof to the rafters. The rafters are bolted to the roof framing, but to give added sup- port a small block of wood is also used. MAKING JOINTS 37 Fig. 8. 38 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES NAILS, SCREWS AND BOLTS The best nails to use are what are known as cut- iron nails. Wire nails are frequently recommended, but I have not found them so satisfactory. When dealing with 5-in. to 7-in. matching, two nails should be driven into each support in each board. Wider boarding requires three nails. JIave them sufficiently long to take a good grip of the framing. With i-in. boarding 2-in. to 2|-in. Hails should be employed. For appHances necessitating the use of thinner wood and smaller framing shorter nails answer the purpose admirably. The use of screws is practically confined to hinges, locks and catches. It is but seldom neces- sary to use them for other purposes. All screws should be oiled before use. If this be done^ they will come out easier when the necessity arises. It is found very much better to make aU houses and sheds in sections-— that is, the sides and ends separate — and to bolt them together. The length of the bolts will, of course, depend on the thickness of the framing. They should be J in. to | in. in diameter, and two washers should be used with each, one below the head of the bolt and one below the nut. All nuts and bolts should be eiled before being used. Keep the heads of the bolts outside, since by so doing the nuts are not so hkely to get rusted on to the thread of the bolts CHAPTER V LAYING OUT A POULTRY YARD The primary object of this book is to deal with poultry plaiit construction, but it would be in- cpmplete if no reference were made to the.important subject of planning the poultry yard. There are a number of points to be taken into consideration, and therefore these must be dealt with, at any rate, bripfly. The selection of the site is the first in order of importance. It is extremely difficult to secure a house and suf&cient land so arranged and of such a nature that it is eminently suited for poultry-keeping. One cannot- expect to attain one's ideal, but there are certain character- istics which, when present, make the site valueless from the poultry-keeper's point of view. The ideal is a gentle southerly or south-westerly slopfe, weU protected on the northern ancj eastern sides. North-east wii?.ds must be guarded against as much as possible, since they tend to affect the egg j/ield considerably. Failing natural protection, artificial shelter must be provided. SOILS AND SUBSOILS It is unquestionably true that soils have a very great influence on animals and birds existing there- 39 40 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES on. To such an extent is this influence noticeable that it has been proved that on certain soils it is quite impossible to keep some classes and breeds of poultry successfully. When the production of table poultry is the object in view, clay land must be avoided. Heavy, wet land is particularly deleterious to those birds which belong to the table class. No birds thrive very well on such soil, but the yellow-legged varieties appear to suffer least in this respect. A good porous subsoil is highly desirable. This induces natural drainage, a state of affairs which is an essential factor in poultry-keeping. The pre- sence of a hard pan or crust on the subsoil, or below a thin subsoil through which- the water cannot percolate, will render the upper soil wet. If the natural drainage is not sufficient to allow the surface water to pass away quickly, artificial drainage by pipes or some other method must be resorted to. This is a costly undertaking ; hence the necessity for selecting a piece or area of land which will not retain any excess of water. A medium loam on a porous subsoil is excellent for fowls. The land can~ be kept in good heart without any undue danger of becoming foul or tainted with the poultry manure which it receives. Naturally, the ground must not be overstocked, but a considerable number of birds can be main- tained on spch soil year in and year out with careful management. Thei:e are certain precEiutionary measures which LAYING OUT A POULTRY YARD 41 should be taken to,. ensure against any trace of tainted Jaiid, and the principal one is the provision of dual runs to each house. This can, of course, only be done when there is sufficient land available, but an endeavcrar should always be made so to arrange the house that it is possible. - PLOTTING OUT THE LA]S|b At the outset the arrajigement of the permanent buildings should be decided. Among these will be numbered the food store and mixing rooni,; a fat- tening shed ; §itting-hen house ; and incubator shed. These should be erected as near the dwelling- house as possible, since this, will rediice labour considerably. ■Allowing Room for Extension A word must be said here with reference to possible future requirements. Don't build with the idea that the Sheds erected in the first place will always prove sufficient for your needs. It may be, and in alt probabihty AviU be, necessary to lenlarge all of the permanent buildings as time goes on. AUow room for this, so that it wiU be a simple matter to provide more accommodation when success warrants increa,sing the stock. Take this point into consideration when design- ing aU of the- buildings. ' Make the end facing the direction in which extension will tak^ place as a separate section, so as^o allow for additions. It wiU be found cheaper in the long run if this be done. 42 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Otherwise new buildings will have to I36 erected at a later date, perhaps some distance away. V What has .Been said as regards the permanent structures is equally true of the poultry houses. Ranges of scratching sheds, ranges of individual houses, even the brooder house, should be so arranged that uniform extension is possible. Special Features Allocate the most suitable parts of your land to those branches wh^ich will do best thereon. An orchard, for instance, if not too far away from the dweUing, makes an ideal ground for rearing. Not only should the brooder house be erected here, but the coops and brooders should also be situated in the same place. A special field should be set apart for growing stock. Whenever possible such birds should be given their entire hberty. A field with plenty of natural shelter should be selected, otherwise this will have to be provided. A running stream should be made u^e of for breeding ducks. The house and run should be arranged, in such a way that each flock of, say, ten ducks and three drakes can be housed apart and each with access to the water. *" F^ce aU houses toward^ the south or south-east. This will afford the birds the maximum amount of sunshine and protect them from the cold winds from the north and east. LAYING OUT A POULTRY YARD 43 Footpaths It will be found that it pays to lay down foot- paths to the permanent sh^ds and poultry houses- The cost of tracks made of cinders or rubble is not great, and their value during the winter months more than counterbalances the capital outlay. THE smallholder's POULTRY PLANT As an indication of what can be accomplished on an acre of land under poultry the suggested plan on page 44. may prove useful. The area covered by the outside lines in Fig. 9 represents practically an acre of grass land. Divided as shown, and explained later, an acre of grass land will maintain 150 to 200 birds for many years with- out any danger of the soil beconaing overcharged with manure. The plot measures 68 yds. by 68 yds. Round the three sides — that is, excepting the south — ^pens are. wired off 17 yds. square. This gives 10 pens, each 289 sq. yds. The centre plot of land will con- sist of 1734 sq. yds., which can either be left open as a rearing ground or divided into 4 runs each 25J yds. by 17 yds., but rather less in the case of plot D, on which are erected the permanent buildings. It is suggested that a range of eight scratching sheds for layingf fowls, each 25I ft. long by 8 ft. deep, should be erected along the north boundary. This arraaagement gives two houses to each run — ^the 44 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES birds having the use of the run for an hour or two daily--r-and this would prove ample, since the N W G M ^ A C ^^H N B D |q PS1"i»'iTPs" 5 HE K H 17 17 E 17 17 17 An acre of land wired into pens P 5 PERMANENT SHEDS M E MAIN ENTRANCE X GATES Fig. 9. intensive system woiild be followed on this part of the plot. LAYING OUT A POULTRY YARD 45 The remaining six pens would each accommodate an individual poultrjTjiouse for breeding stock. It would be an advantage if each of these runs were divided into two, so that the dual run system would be followed. - ■ By having the runs 17 yds. square a 50-yd. roll of netting would be sufficient for each, without cut- ting, to cover three sides, but leaving room for the door. The range of shfeds at the north would fill in the remaining fourth side. The gat€s are denoted by a cross. It is generally found better- not to erect gates allowing passage from one run to another. This must be done, how- ever, on occasion, but there is always a danger that a gate may be left open, in which case carefully selected pens might get hopelessly mixed. THE backyarder's PLANT The opportunities of the backyarder are distinctly limited, but, aU the same, care should be taken to arrange the house and run or runs in a convenient manner. The front of the house should face south or south- west, and the run should be protected on the north and east by making the walls soUd. This is gener- ally an inexpensive matter, since the garden wall can be utihsed for this purpose on one side, if not two. It is highly desirable to provide two runs to each ^ouse. Owing to the restrictions of space the run cannot be made very, large, and therefore there is 46 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES cbnsiderable danger of the ground becoming tainted. On -the dual run system one run can be cropped as part of the garden while the other is occupied by the birds. A suitable house is described and illustrated in Chapter VII, and the single and dual run systems are dealt with in Chapter IX, to which readers are referred. CHAPTER VI GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF POULTRY PLANT CONSTRUCTION \ There are hundreds of designs of poultry houses and alhed Isuildings extant. Many of them are ex cellent ; others are unsuitable for 'the purpose for which they were constructed. The details of con- struction do not signify at all so long as the structure has been designed in such a way that the essential principles have been embodied in it. The general principles which are requisite are few in number, but they are essentially important. They are size, height and cubic air space ; lighting ; ventilation ; the. roof ; and the floor. These five make up the list, and since the last two mentioned have been dealt with fully in Chapter II, I shall confine my remarks to the three first enumerated. FLOOR SPACE PER ADULT BIRD , To overcrowd is to invite trouble. To under- crowd — if I may use such a word — is almost as bad in its effects. The superficial area of floor space allowed for e^ach fowl depends largely on the system under which tjiey are kept. The following figures have been proved tq give the best results : — 47. 48 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Two square feet per adult bird should be allowed in the house when only a roosting compartment and a run g,re provided ,' With a roosting chamber and scratching ' shed house, with run, 2 sq. ft. of floor space must be allowed in the former and 4 sq. ft. in the latter ; A combined roosting and scratching^shed in one, with run, must be sufhciently large to give 4 sq. ft. to each fowl ; An intensive house, in which case^the birds are but seldom given a run out in the open, should only contain that number of birds which will allow 8 sq. ft. to each. ^ In the case of a half-way house for growing stock from 2 to 4 months old, i sq. ft. to ij sq. ft. of floor space need only be reckoned as necessary. Ducks should be allowed 4 sq. ft. of floor space ; geese,6 sq. ft. to 8 sq. ft., according to breed ; and turkeys 8 sq. ft. to 10 sq. ft. The superficial area of the floor is obtained by multipl5dng the width of the house by the length. Inside measurements should be taken in both cases. The area of the floor in square feet divided by the ^figures given above will determine the capacity of the house. 1~ - Head Room Essential A low house is an abomination. It is bad for the birds, and it renders the work of cleaning and atten^ tion to the fowls more difficult. The heighf of the house must be governed by the GENERAL PRINCIPLES 49 class of birds ior which it is erected. Houses for growing stock— which should not be allowed to perch — ducks and geese need not be so high as those employed for housing adult fowls. A mean or average height of 4 ft. 6 in. is ample for half-grown birds and ducks ; and 3 ft. for geese will prove sufficient. An ordinary poultry house should have armean height of 5' ft. 6 in. to 6 ft. A turkey shed requires to be higher, and an average height of 8 ft. is a convenient basis on which to work. CUBIC AIR SPACE From the figures given above it will be seen that birds ) 3 )> ~r 2 „ 3'2"xi"\ guides 2 pieces i' 6" trap-door 2 „ 3'i"xi"J fortrap Shutter. 2 pieces 10' 8" . 18 pieces 2' I piece 2'2"xi'' Perches. 2 pieces 9' 6" Dropping Board. 6 pieces 10' Nests. See Chapter VIII. Toia/, with allowance for wastage : 2"X2" .r .. 340' 7" XI" ,.. .. 410 sq.ft., Netting . . . . 34 sq. ft. Bolts ,. .. 20, 6"xf" Hinges .. ,. ipr. S'T. VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES §7 If the roof is covered with -corrugated iron, six sheets, each ii ft. long^ will be required. In this case 135 sq. ft. of 7 in. by | in. sawn boards^ can be used in place of the same quantity of 7 in. by I in. t. & g. In addition, three pieces of 2 in^ by I in., 10 ft. 8 in. long, will be needed. The rafters, moreover, would have to be made of stouter wood, and for this puipose 2 in. by 3 in. would have to be used. _ ' , If the roof is to be covered with felt, 126 sq. ft. of this material would be necessary. Sawn boards could also be used for the roof in place of the t. & g. boarding, the quantity being 135 sq. ft. ROOSTING AND SCRATCHING SHED COMPARTMENT - HOUSE This house allows for a special roosting chamber' 5 ft. by 10 ft. apart from the scratching shed — 10 ft. by 10 ft.— ^and divided therefrom by a sohd partition. The roosting chamber is enclosed and ventilated by means of louvre boards in the end and. partition. It is glazed by two windows — ^hinged at the bottom and opening inwards — each 4 ft.- by i ft- • 7 in. The wired front of the run compartment begins 18 in. from the roof and extends to within 14 in. of the floor — the width of two boards 7 in. wide. Three perches are allowed and six nests, as shown in the illustration. The nests can be made outside,, as shown in Fig. 33. 58 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES END ELEVATION . ^ '-" ■^ ' - -"--^^^^^"ifflfff^ I PftRTiTinr* WINDOW FRAME tV' . FRAMEWORK ' ^ A OF PROMT 3i9' FRAtnevyORKO^BACK — \ ;..\ -, 'j ' ' - ' ■ GROUND PL An'. • ROOI^ UMDER -SIDE Fig. 18. VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 59 DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2"X2" Back. BOARDING 7" XI 3 pieces 14' 8" 4 » 5' 6" 26 -pieces 5' 6" 1 End (2). 4 pieces 10' 2 „ 10' 3" • 2 „ 5' 6" 2 „ 6' 34" 2 „ 7' 17 pieces \7' to I piece i"xi"/5'6" 17 pieces \7' to I piece I'xi'/s'fi" Pariiiionj I piece 10' 3..pieces 5' 6" I piece 10' 3' I .. 7' I „ 6' 9" I „ 6' 44" 9 pieces 5' 6" I piece 5'6''i"xi" 8 pieces 7' to 5' 6" Roof. 4 pieces i J' 8" 26 pieces 15' 8" I piece 15' 8" 6" XI" Froni. 3 pieces 14' 8" 4 ., 7' ' I piece 5' 6" 3 pieces 4' I piece 5' 5 pieces 7' C 8 .. I' 6" 2 „ I' 6" s'xi" 16 „ I' 6" 1 piece i' 6" 2"xi" 2 pieces 7' Doors. '' 4 pieces 5' 6" 6 » 3' 2 pieces 3' Perches. 3 pieces 5' 6o HOME-MADE POULtRY APPLIANCES Totals. 2"X2" . '560' 7" XI" . . -550 sq. ft. Netting . 50 sq. ft. Bolts . 33.6"xr , Hinges . 2 prs. 8" T, 2 prs. 3 Glass . 4pieces i'9"Xi'7" butt If corrugated iron. is used, nine sheets lift, long will be required, in which case 200 sq. ft. of sawn boards can be used for the roof instead of 200 sq. ft. of t. & g. If felt is used, 190 sq. ft. will be needed. With an iron and wood roof three pieces of 2 in. by I in., 15 ft. 8 in. long, will be wanted to form the air space between the two. ONE FORM OF PORTABLE HOUSE The house^ illustrated in Fig. 19 is an excellent form of portable house. It_is biiilt rath^ low so as to make it sufficiently hght for easy moving. It is 9 ft, long, 4 ft. 6 in. wide, 4 ft. 3 in. high^at the back and 5 ft. high in front. The front is fitted with a dcCor 4 ft. 6 in. by 2 ft. 3 in., and a sliding shutter 5 ft. 2 in. by i ft. 10 in. The opening is 5 ft. by 2 ft. 3 in., andis covered with netting. The perches are placed 'crosswise, and the nests, -placed inside, have a door outside for collecting the eggs. Four wheels, 13 in. in diameter, are fitted on iron stub .axles bolted to 3j-in. by 4-|-in. quartering. DETAILED QUANTITIES ^- FRAMING 2" X 2" BOARDING, f X l" Back. 3 pieces 9' 15 pieces 4' 3" ipiege 4' 3" 3" XI* VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 6i m ®XiF ft PROMT e - IT \- ^r 1 d : ^ ^_ J rh -. erso BACV\ Fig. 19. 62 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Ends (2). • 2 pieces 4' 6" 7 pieces ^ \ 5'to 2 „ 4' 8" . I piece 5"Xi"/ 4' 3" t\ _■■ -■■ 7 pieces \ 5' to I piece 5"xi"/4'3" Roof. 3 pieces 9' 8" 2"xi" 16 pieces 5' 10" I piece 5' 10" 4"xi" Fycwi. 2 pieces 8' loj" ^ 2 pieces 2' 3" door I piece "6' 7 ..5' 4 pieces 5' I piece 5' 6"xi" 2 „ 5'2"xi"\ for 2 „ 5' l"xi"/ runner 8 pieces 6' I piece 6' 4"xi'' Floor. 3 pieces 8' loj" 15 pieces 4' 4J" I piece 4'4i" ij"xi" Shutter. 2 pieces 4' 4^" 3 pieces 5' 2" I piece 5' 2" i"Xi' 2 pieces i' 10" Perches. 2 pieces 4' 6" ■ , iaifrfe?". I piece i' 6" Bearers. ' 2pieces5'6'' 4i"X3i'' 11^/seefc. 4, 13" diameter, 2" tyres. Totefe. 2"X2" .. no' 2" XI" 10' 4rx3r • II' 7" XI" 240 sq. ft. ^ / Netting . 6', 2^ f' wide, 1" mesli Bolts 8,6" xr; 4. 9"X|" Hinges ipr. 3" butt, I pr. ij" butt VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 63 This house can be made of |-in. matching, with the exception of the floor, and felted on walls and roof. In this case 195 sq. ft. of |-in. matching would be required, and 185 sq. ft. of felt and 45 sq. ft. of i-in. t. & g. ANOTHER FORM OF PORTABLE HOUSE The second form of portable house is that illus- trated in Fig. 20. It is 8 ft. long by 5 f|:. wide, 5 ft. to the eaves and 6 ft. 6 in. to the gable. Out- side nests are fitted as' shown. A window 4 ft. long by I ft. 9_in. wide is placed on each side. Ventila- tion is by a movable shutter in the top of each end. There is a door 2 ft. 6 in. wide by 5 ft. 6 in high, and the trap-door is fitted therein. The house is mounted on two bearers, each 5 ft. 6 in. long, of 4^-in. by S^-in. quartering. Two perches.each 5 ft. long, are fitted at the end opposite the door. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING a" X 2" .BOARDING f X I* Sides (2). ' 6 pieces 7' 8" 28 pieces 3' 8 „ 5' 4 ,. 4' 2" XI* Windows. , 4 pieces 4' a'xi" 6 „ I' 9" 2" XI" Door. End. ^ , 1 piece .5'^ 8 pieces I |, g?, 2 pieces 5' 2" ~ i piece 4"xi"j ^^v. 64 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES i"-^-; i •; ) ! h. i : I : i--h- 4' — » : : -^.... 1...-,- j_. _.j II 1 ■ ! I i 1 « 3" > I 5' SIDES ^•1^^ 1 ' , \ ', • « ' , > N I 1 1 ' \ s , ', I I s V . 1, ; 1 J ^ 1 ; QOOR EliO FUOOR n 1 i ; < , lilJjljJiiiJ. ^ L >' FRflMBVORKOF OPPOSITE END TO DOOR ONE SlOE OF ROOF CwiDERStDE) Fig.- 20. VARIOUS FORMs of POULTRY HOUSES 65 2 pieces 3' 9" 2 pieces 2' 6" \ for X piece 2' 10" I piece 4' / door 2 pieces 3' r" 2 „ i'3* 2" XI" 2 „ 6" 2" XI" Ladder. i piece i' 6" I 2 pieces 5' 2" 8 pieces 2 „ 5' ' r piece 1 piece 4' 8" 2 pieces 3' i" 2 „ i'3" 2" XI" 2 „ 6" 2" XI" 4 ^ ^ )■ 6' 6" J to 5' Floor. ^ 2 pieces 8' ' 13 pieces ^' 2 „ '5' ' I piece 5' 5"xi" ' 2 .. 5'6"4rX3i" 4 pieces S' 8* 28 pieces 3' 3* 2 „ 3' 3* e'xi" iJtt^ge. 2 „ 8' 8" ToMs. 2"X2" ..240' 7"xi" 260 sq. ft. 2"xi" ..,55' 4r'X3r •• II' Wheels .. 4, I3"X2" Stub axles 4 Hooks . . 2 Bolts .. '4,9"xr: 16. e'xr Glass . . 4 pieces i' g'x i' 7" Hinges . . i pr. 8" T, 2 prs. 5" T; i pr. , I 2" butt If made of |-in. boarding, except floor, 210 sq. ft. of |-in., 50 sq. ft. of i in. apd 200 sq. ft. of felt will be needed. 66 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES A MEDIUM-SIZED INTENSIVE HOUSE Figs. 21 and 22 illustrate a reliable design for an intensive poultry house suitable for twenty-five birds. It is 20 ft. squafe, 6 ft. high in front, 4 ft. high at the back and 8 ft. to the gable, which is 7 ft. 4 in. from the front and 12 ft.- 8 in. from the back. It is fitted with two windows, each 3 ft. wide and 4 ft. deep, and a curtained open space 4 ft.long by 2Jt. deep in the front. A door is placed in the east end 3 ft. 6 in. wide by 6 ft. high. A window is also built into the west end, measuring 5 ft. 4 in. wide by 4 ft. 2 in. deep. 'All three windows are hinged at the top and made to open outwards. Eight nests are placed on the east side between the door and the back. The perches, with droppiiig- board belovy^, which can be hinged, are placed at the back, as shown in the ground plan. The house is double-walled round the roosts. RETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2"X2" Back. 5 pieces 4 upr. 2 „ East End. I piece I ,, I ., I ;> I .. 10 2 10 0' 4" \ "X3"/ hor. 4' 2"1 6' I" 8' ► 7' 3" 16' 2" uprights BOARDING 7X1" 34 pieces 4' I piece 4' 4" X i" 33 pieces 4' sawn boards r piece 6"xi"4'7"Xf" 21 pieces I piece 5" 12 pieces I piece 4" XI „}8'to4' \8' to 6' 7 VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 67 68 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES 1 piece 3 10 2 pieces lo' 6" 2"X3" I piece 7' 7" I „ 12' 11" {sawn boards >-hoT. 7"xr w — _ - — - - ^_ , ~ - i — 7 Z 7 V. _ I 1 ~ii "J f ~ ^ — - ^ — — — — - - u jun WJU 20 MFC JNDEP (3!C &) > ; 20 S- NORTHROQF (UNDERSIDE) West End. I piece; 4' 2" I .. 6' I" I .. 7' 7" 1 ,,„ 6' 8" 2 pieces 10' 6* I piece 7' 7' 1 , „ 12' II" 2 pieces 5' 8" Front. 2 pieces 10' 4" 2 „ 10' 4" 8 „ 6' 4 .. , 3'4" 2 „ 4' 4" 12 pieces 7' 7" to 6' fa' 5" to "XS" - ipiecei"xi"|J^5:V 2"X3" 2"X3" 2"X3" 9 pieces i I piece i' i"xi" 13 pieces \t' W I piece i"xi"/to4' 13 pieces 6' 7" to\sawn 4',7"x|"Jbrds. 4 pieces 6' 8 , , '-i' 6 , , 6' 6 , , i' 6 , , 3' b , , 6' 10 , , I* 3 , . 6' I piece 6' 4* x l'' VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 69 Front Roof. 9 pieces- 7' 9" 2"X3" Back Roof. 9 pieces^ 12' 5" 2"X3'' Ridge. 2 pieces 10' 10" 4"xi" Perches. 8 pieces 7' 6" -; 4 » 5' Dropping-board. 5 pieces 5' 5" Totals. 2"X2" z'xs" 7''xi" ' .. 7"xr •■ Felt Bolts Hinges Glass Canvas 13 pieces 20' 8' I piece 20' 8" 2"xi" 21 pieces 20' 8" I piece 20' 8" 2"xi" 8 pieces 16' I piece 16' 4"xi'' 350' 330' t. & g. 940 sq, ft. Sawn boards, 220 sq. ft. 440 sq. ft. 10, 7"X|"; 20,6"xr I pr. 8" T, 3 prs. 3" butt, 6 prs. 6" T. 8 piecfes i' 3"x i' 9", 4 pieces 2' 5" XI' 10" I piece 4' 6"X2' 6" A LARGE INTENSIVE HOUSE Large intensive houses are not used in this country very mucTi, but Figs, 23 and 24 illustrate an excellent house for this purpose. It is 40 ft. long ' by 20 ft, wide, 9 ft. high in front and 5 ft. high at the back. The front is open,, with the exception of 3 ft. at the top and i ft. 6 in. at the bottom, thus giving 4 ft. 6 in. as the wire-netting portion. There are four canvas-covered frames with which the open 70 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES CENERAUVIEW OF HOUSE - FRPriEWORK OF BACK FRAMEWORK OF l=RONT DOOR Fig. 23- VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 7I front can be covered at will. These are hinged at the top and, when not in use, are secured to the underside of the roof. An opening is cut in each 4 ft. 6 in. long and 2 ft. deep^ There are two, doors, one in the west end and the other in the east end of the front. The doors are 3 ft. wide by 6 ft. high. Eight perches, each 6 ft. long, with dropping- boards and nests below. This house can be divided into four compartments, if desired, by wire-netting partitions. r'l r l"l~fi Ht i"[ in I I I I I I, f __ : IB '— ^ : Fig. 24. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING S'Xa" BOARDING 7"Xl" Back. 6 pieces 5' upr. 4 „ 10' 4" hor. 4 „ 11' hor. 68 pieces 5' I piece 5' 6"xi:' 72 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES East End. I piece 5' 3 I - I I I I *» >- uprights ~ 6' 6' 9" 7' 6" 8' 3" 9' . 3 4" top of door 34 pieces I piece 2 "XI" P' to 5' I piece 5' 3"' 6' 6' 9" 7' 6" 8' 3" 9' . 34 pieces I piece 2 "XiV^' to 5' ► uprights Front. 6 pieces 7 » .8 .. I piece 8 pieces 8 „ 16 .. 9' 10' II' 7' 9' 4' 2' upr hor. Xi" 'XI" Xi" 5'\ 3'/ 6"Xi" ;"x; 68 pieces 3' I piece 9' 5 pieces 6' I piece 6'/i"x i" door 62 pieces i' 6" I piece I' 6" f6"xi" i?oo/. 9 pieces 21' 3" 4"X2' Perches. 8 pieces 6' 2" X 2" Dropping-board. Totals. 72 pieces 10' 7" X f " s. brds. 2 „ 10' 3"xr „ 72 „ io'4"7"x|r „ 2 „ io'4''3"xr .. X3" X4" xz" XI" 7"xi"t. 8c.g. 16 pieces 10' 7" t. &g. 500' 220' 60' 170' 750 sq. ft. XI" Various forms of poultry houses 73 7"'Xf" . Sawn boards, 950 sq. ft. Bolts . 16, 7" X i" ; 42, 7" X 1", for roof Felt . 900 sq. ft. Canvas . 200 sq. ft. Hinges . 2 prs. 8" T, 8 prs. 3" butt A RANGE OF COCKEREL HOUSES This range of cockerel houses, as illustrated in Figs. 25 and 26, is 8 ft. in width, 10 ft. in depth, 3 ft. 6 in. high ap the back, 4 ft. to the ridge, 3 ft. 3 in. high in front and 2 ft. 6 in. high at the front of the run. It is divided into four compartrnents, each 2 ft. wide. Doors are fitted in the ba6k and also in the front of the runs. Trap-doors are in the front of the houses. Fig. 25. DETAILED QUANTITIES The House .SeQtion FRAMING 2X1 Back. 2 pieces 7' loj" hor. a „ 3' 6" upr. 8 „ 3' 2"\ for 12 „ i' 9"/ doors BOARDING 7" XI 13 pieces 3' 6" I piece 3' 6" 31" XI" 74 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES f z- > I • i f I . [ ;_- ' t ^'" — ~^ I 14 I ' ■ ) I ' j I ; j I i( I ! l I r_\ I l_ '■ ■ — - — - T - \ 1 s-r 9"-) H'glti 5S «-i-9:-» VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 73 East End. I piece 3' 6" \ 6 pieces (3' 6" to I » 3' 3" / ^ I piece 6" X 1^4' to I " s'gi"! l3'3'' I „ 2' 8" ^lior. 1 „ I' 8" J PTes^ fm?. Same as East End. Front. 3 pieces 7' loj" hor. 13 pieces i' 7I" 5 ., 3' 3" upr. I piece i' 7i" 34" Xi" 8 „ 3'3'' 2"xin guides 8 „ 3' 3" i"xi"/ for traps Floor. 2 pieces-7' 84" 6 pieces 7' 16-J" 3 ,, 3'9l" I piece 7' 104" 5^X1" Roof (Back). 2 pieces 8' 6" 14 pieces i' 11" .3 „ I'll" I piece i' 11" ^.''xi" Roof {Front). 2 pieces 8^6" 14 pieces 2' 11" -3 „ 2' n" I piece 2' 11" 4''Xi" Partitions. I piece 3' 3" \ 6 pieces I „ 3' / ^ ■ I piece I.., 3'9r I „ 2' 7' 1 „ 1^7"' Perches. 4 pieces 2' iRwMS {Back). 3 pieces 3' 3" -niprr 2 „ , 7' 10" hor. B Cz' to 4i"Xi"^3'9i" Lto3'3" 76 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES 2' loj" y 2' 6" J S««fes (2), each I piece 3 I » 2 1 " 2 2 pieces 5' 11" "' 1 piece 6' i " Front. 5 pieces 2' 6" upr. 2 „ 7' 10* hor. , 8 „ 2'2"T for 12 „ i' 9"/ doors 2 pieces 7' loj 3 » I' 10" 2 „ 7' loj 3 » 2' 10" Partitions (3), eacA, I piece 5' 10" \ upr. 2 pieces 5 II hor. zi pieces i' doors I ,, I ,. Totals. "s-i" / ' x" \ '4" / 2" XI" I'-XI" 7''xi"' Netting Bolts Hinges Catches hor. upr. 14 pieces 6' 4" I piece 6' 4" 6"xi" 2 pieces 5' 10" 475 From matching 330 sq. ft: 75 sq.ft. 72, 3"xr 8 prs. 8" T. 8 A HALF-WAY HOUSE A suitable house for partly grown chickens is shown in Figs. 27 and 28. It is 8 ft. by 5 ft., 5 ft. iiigh in front and 4 ft. high at the back. It is some- what similar to the open-fronted shed shown in Fig. 17, but in this case gMss windows are fitted to the front. No perches or nests are required. VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 77 Fig. 27. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING' a" X 2" BOARDING 7" Xl" Back 2 pieces 7' 8" hor, 3 -. 4' upr Ends (2), each. I piece 4' I I » 5' I » 5' 1 ,. 5' 2 2 pieces 5' 2 „ 4' ' 3 ,. 7' 8" 2 „ 5' 2" hor. 2 „ 4' 3 „ 2' 6" door Wwi^oze's (2), e«c^. 2 pieces 2' 3" 2 ., a' upr. 14 pieces 4' 8 pieces I piece 4" X I 14 pieces 2' "V to 5' 2 pieces 4' 3" X i" guides 78 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES FROm euEVATion ■J.^ l- r r - r - -. - - - -■ -71 1- J 1 y EMO SECTIOn SECTIONAL PLAN FROHT DOOR SECTION OF vvinoow JOINT AT CORnER M OF ftVL FRftMIMG FROMt Fig. 28 VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 79 Window (i), in door. 2 pieces 2' 2" ' 2 „ 3' 2 pieces 4' 3" X i" guide f/oor. I piece 7' 8" iJoo/. 13 pieces 4' I piece 4' 5"xi'' 3 pieces 7' 8" Shutter. 14 pieces 5' 8" I piece 5' 8" 6" XI" zpieces 8' 8" 14 pieces i' 6" I piece i'6" 6"xi" Totals. 2"X2" . 200' 7" XI" Netting . Gla'ss Bolts Hinges . 220 sq. ft. 30 sq. ft. 2 pieces i' 11" xi' 8" I piece i' 10" xi' 8" . I4,6"xr f pr. 4''butt, 2 prs. 8''T. Iron support for shutter i A BACKYARD HOUSE AND RUN Fig. 29 illustrates a ifouse and run which ig jeuiinently suited to the backyarded poultry-keeper. It is 16 ft. long, 7 ft. wide, 6 ft. high- in front and 3 ft. 6 in. high at the back. The roosting compart- ment is 4 ft. by 7 ft. The front is open ; but that section belonging to the roosting chamber is par- tially covered by a movatle shutter and the section of the run by two canvas blinds. Outside nests are fitted and there are two doors, one in the partition and one in the front. ■ Two perches are fitted with (Jropping-boar4 below, 8o HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES ™^ VARIOUS FORMS OF POULTRY HOUSES 8i DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING Z"X2* Back. 4 pieces 3' 6" upr. 2 „ i6'6"hor. West End. I piece 3' 8""] I „ 6' > upr. 1 „ i'9"J 2 pieces 6' 8"\ , „^ .i?iece y'l'/^o'^- I „ i' 2" nest 1 piece 3' -I „ 6' 2 pieces 6' 8 I piece 7' I Partition. I piece 3' 8" I I I I I I 6' 5' . .6' sr 7' x" 4' 2" 2' 6" ► upr. ► hor. hor. Front. 5 pieces 6' upr. I piece 1-6' 6""] I „ i7'3"[ 1 ., 4' f 2 pieces 4' 7" j 2 .. 5'6'n 3 „ 2' 4VS^ door I piece 4' g^r BOARDING 7''xi'' 27 pieces 3' 6" I piece 3' 6" 5"Xi* 7 pieces 4' 10" to 3' 6" 5 pieces 3' i" to 4' 3" 12 pieces 3' 6" to 6' ii'^'eces \3'6"to 1 piece 3" xi"/ 6' 2 pieces 2' 4" door 7 pieces 6' 20- „ I' 6" I piece i'6":5"'Xi" i' „ 16' 2" I „ 4' I" I ,, 2' 4" 82 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES bhuUer. 3 pieces 211 I piece 2' 11" 3"Xi" 2 pieces 2' -~ 2 „ 4' i"Ki"\ guides 2 „ 4' 2''Xl"/ Roqf. 3 pieces i6' 6" 28 pieces 7' 11" I piece 7' 11" 4"xi" Perches. 2 pieces 4' Drdpping-board 5 pieces 4' Totals, a'xa" • • 340' '7" XX" . . 360 sq. ft. ■Netting . .. 75 sq.ft. Canvas . . ,50 sq. ft. Bolts .. 25,,6"xi" Hinges . . 2 prs. 8" T. If felt is used for the roof, 136 sq. ft. will be re- quired ; 150 sq. ft. of sawn boards may be used instead of the same quantity of t. & g. boarding. CHAPTER VIII INSIDE THE POULTRY HOUSE PERCHES - The best material for perches is ordinary 2 pa. by 2 in. batten, with the upper corners rounded off. There are many ways of fixing the perches, as illus- , trated in Figs. 30, 31 and 34. The principal, thing is that all perches should be made movable, so that the sockets or supports may be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. Fig. 3°- In order to save litter and to give extra floor space to the birds it is a good plan to build a dropping-board 5 in. below the perches. The manure collects on this and can be easily removed. This arrangement has the additional advantage of saving the manure in a pure state (see Fig. 34). 83 §4 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Fig. 3r. Perches for turkg^ys should be made from fir .poles 2 in. in diameter. For these birds a roughly rounded perch is preferable. ^ NEST BOXES Nest boxes should be mac^e about 14 in. in width and, in the case of an ordinary nest, 15 in.^from Fig. 32. INSIDE THE POULTRY HOUSE 85 front to back, and 12 in. high, in front and 18 in. high at -the back; A simple form is illustrated in Fig- 32. « To prevent the birds from perching on the top of, the nests the latter should be made with a sloping roof. The construction of external nests is shown in Fig. 33. The~diagrams explain themselves, and therefore no further reference is necessary. Fig. 33- 86 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES COMBINED PERCHES, DROPPING-BOARD AND NESTS Fig. 34 illustrates one of the most practical arrangements for combining the perches, dropping- board land nests. The perch supports in the figure shown are made of iron and porcelain and are vermin proof. The advantage of this arrangement is that it can be adapted for the use of trap-nests. Fig- 34- TRAP-NESTS There is a very large number of forms of trap- nests in use to-day. It is impossible to illustrate and describe all, but the three dealt with below will be found practical and simple in use. , ^ Fig. 35 shows a form in whidh the front is in the forpi of a lid— hinged at the top — which is held in INSIDE THE POULTRY HOUSE 87 position by means of a strip of wood. The hen on entering knocks down this support and the door then, closes. RAISED DC PROP I I I.. I ! : ■' J4>" 1' iT ■i!_ j5 1 r , ~r 1, H1NC.E L. ' / 'i :;~..^ /p(?op /' 16 *^ ■T= 20" ^ Fig. 3S. Fig. 36 depicts another form of trap-nest. In this case the floor is hinged in front in such a way that the weight of the bird releases tlie door by the movement of the support" nailed to the floor. The trap-nest illustrated in Fig. 37 is of American design. It is very simply constructed and, as shown in Fig. 38, it can be cut out of a board 10 ft. long, 12 in. wide and, i in. thick. The materials required is the board mentioned, six screw eyes, a: piece of round iron t^ in. by 12 in., two pieces of rawhide 9 in. by J in. , 8& HOKE-MADE ^OVLTUY APPttA^^CfiS Fig. 36- Fig. 37- INSIDE THE POULTRY HOUSE 89 The method of . construction is as follows : With a square lay off the board as showriin Fig. 38. The shaded portions are the waste pieces. The sohd black lines show where the board is to be cut. Nail the sides to the bottom so that the ends will be even. Stand the nest on end and nail on the back/theli nail on the front. Next comes the front brace, which should be set at lines in- "dicated by A and B. To the end of the bottom board nail the nest-eiid front. The two front pieces are nailed on either side of the door. Put in the piece — loj in. by 3f in. — on which the door is balanced ; nail it in between the sides so that the inner side will"be flush with the outer side of the front pieces. In this piece put a screw eye 4 in. from each side, the outer^ edge of the screw eye being fi,ush with the inner_ side of the piece. Bore the holes in the sides through which the ^ in. iron passes. The holes are i in. from the bottom and 1 1 in. from the nest front. On the bottom of the trip-board put in a screw eye | in. from end and i in. frbm each side.' At the other end of the trip-board bore two | in. holes i in. from the end and 3 in. from each side. sioe tAt» a9 24 .SIDE BACK TRIP BOARD 12 ;10j w Fig. 38. 90 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES On the bottom and each side of the door put in a screw eye i^ in. from the end and | in. from the sides. On the upper side put the two rawhide strips, using a small staple or nail for each. The strips are tacked on so that the end of the strap will be 2 in. from the end and J in. from side of door. " Place the door in front of the trip-board, the screw ey.e down ; push the rawhide strips through the holes in the trip-board ; turn the boards over and draw the strips up tight ; then bend the door back over the trip-board, until there is a full f in. between the board when laid flat ; the strap should then be tacked to the lower side of the trip-board. TROUGHS A simple form of trough is shown in Fig. 39. The handle serves a dual purpose, namely, it is con- venient for carrying and it prevents the birds, from standing in the food. It can also be made V-shaped if desired. Jis- 39- INSIDE THE POULTRY HOUSE 91 In the case of a scratching shed or backyard house it is a great convenience to construct the troughs in such a way- that they can be filled from the outside. The trough is hinged it the bottom, as shown in Fig. 40. Fig. 40. Fig. 41. §2 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES SELF-FEEDING HOPPERS These are suitable for feeding grit, oyster shelL. granulated meat and dry mash. The "top is in the form of a lid. They can be made any size, but the front of the box should extend at least i in. below the sides of the trough. -r A GREEN-FOOD RACK A useful green-food rack, :^hich fits into the wall of the house or run and from which the birds can feed at both sides, is illustrated iji Fig. 42. Thick wire, ^ in. in diameter, is used for the Tsars. They should be placed ij in. to 2 in. apart. Fig. 42. INSIDE THE POULTRY HOUSE 93 GUIDES FOR TRAP-DOORS AND SHUTTERS The size of the guides depends on the thickness of the wood used for the door or shutter. If i-in. wood is employed, the centre of the guide can be made of i in. by i in. and the outer strips of 2 in. by I in. The i in. by i in. and 2 in. by i in. can be cut from the matching, unless more of this wood is required for the construction of the house itself. The edge of the trap-door and shutter shduld be planed to make them fit easily. Fig. 43- ' AUTOMATIC TRAP-DOOR RELEASE An explanation"t»f Fig. 44 is hardly necessary, as the sketch fully gives the details of construction. The object of the weight is to balance the false fiooE^ which, by the way, should have' an incline of 4 in. 94 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES .Fig. 44. Fig. 4S. INSIDE THE POULTRY HOUSE 95 RAIN GUTTER This is not an internal fitting, but it is an addi- tion which it is advisable to make to all houses. Two pieces of i-in. boarding, one piece 4 in. and one piece 5 in. wide, are fastened together at right angles, and the joint on the inside is rounded off with pitch. It is held in position by means of wooden brackets attached to the house. (Fig. 45). CHAPTER IX POULTRY RUNS SIZE It may be taken that the larger the run the better. At least a minimum 'of 13 sq. ft. should be allowed to each adult bird ; less means a great danger of tainted^ soil. A. square run is cheaper to construct than an oblong run, since less wire-netting and fewer posts are required. A long, narrow run, how- ever, is better in that the greater part of the manure is deposited near the house. If this nean area is laid down in gravel, all fear of tainted soil dis- appears. Long runs are necessary in the case of a range of houses. DUAL RUNS ^ As has already been mentioned, it is an excellent plan to erect; two r^ns to each house. The un- occupied run can be cropped, and thus any excess of manure used up. An arrangement of dual runs for a range of sheds is shown in Fig. 46. In this instance a raised footpath is made in front of the houses, with a passage below for the birds. This renders it easy to enter^any house direct. 96 POULTRY RUNS 97, GRAV3EL AREAS The use of a gravel area can be adapted to any method of poultry-keeping, whether backyard, breeding pens or laying ^heds. This" gravel area should be sufficiently large to allow 2 sq. ft. to each bird. ""' The gravel area is shown in Fig. 46, laut another arrangenient, in which three gravel runs and one ri|. 47- 98 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES grass run are provided for three houses, is illus- trated in Fig. 47. This is really a mixture of the intensive system and the scratching-shed run method of poultry-keeping. The birds in each house are allowed out for half a day alternately. \ . , , FENCES ' It is a very expensive method of enclosing a run to use wire-netted hurdles. For backyards, where , appearance goes for so much, or in the event of it being thought advisable to erect njovable runs, hurdles as shown in Fig. 48 can be used. POSTS AND NETTING As a usual thing, posts made of 2-in. by 2-in, wood is employed for holding the nettiiig. These are driven 18 in. into the ground, and, if 6-ft. netting is used, they should be 7 ft. 6 in. long. When obtainable, ash poles are excellent for this purpose. Frequently as many as 90% will take root and grow, thus providing, in a year or two, natural shade. All wood which is driven into or comes in contact with the ground shouldi be well tarred or creosoted. The posts should be placed 4 yds. apart. Corner posts must be strutted to give additional strength, as shown in Fig. 49. A strand of thick wire should be, stretched from post to post. This is fastened to the top of each post by means of staples. POULTRY RUNS 99 Fig. 48. 100 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Fig. 49. For ordinaryl birds'[6-ft. netting is suf&cienfly high. With the light breeds it is advisable to bend over the top foot of netting inwards to prevent the birds climbing up. In this case spars of wood must be nailed on to the posts at an angle of 45 degrees above the horizontal. When erecting netting care should be taken, to get it weU down into the ground ; a shallow furrow should be dug and, after the netting has been^ placed therein, refilled. This prevents the birds from scratching underneath. GATES The framework of all gates should be tenon and mortised to give tliem solidity. Two suitable gates ?.r* shown in Fig. 50. POULTRY RUNS lOI Fig. SO- , CATCHES Many different forms of catches are employed for the gates. Five kinds are illustrated in Fig. 51. These explain themselves, and therefore need not be described. Fig. 51. CHAPTER X NATURAL HATCHING— SHEDS AND APPLIANCES A SITTING-HEN HOUSE The best width for a broody hen house is lo ft. This allows for a row of boxes down each side and a double row in- the centre. The length depends on the number of birds to be accommodated. The one which is illustrated in Fig. 52 is 10 ft. in length, 6 ft. high at the back, 9 ft:, high in front, and the annexe is 5 ft. wide and 6 ft. high at its lowest part. This house will hold thirty sitting hens, but if shelves are fitted as shown, double this number can be. housed. Under the annexe are placed the feediiig cages, \ of which there are twelve in a double row. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2"X2" BOARDING 7"Xl" T, & G. Back. 3 pieees 6' upr. 17 pieces 6' 3 „ 9'8'hor. I piece ^' s'xi" Ends {3), each. 2 pieces 10' hor. 17 pieces ~l ^, , , I piece 10' 4" „ I piece I'^i"/ ^9 10*. SHEDS AND APPLIANCES 103 Mill I II MM I ill II III llli mil i Fig. 52. 104 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Front. 3-pieces 9' upr. 17 pieces 9' ■ 3 „ g'S'hor. i piece 9' 3"xi" I piece 10' 8" annexe roof support Roof. 4 pieces 10' 8" Annexe. 2 pieces i' 6" upr. 3 .. Ridge. Totals. 10' 8" roof 2"X2" 7" XI" Felt Bolts Hinges 18 pieces 10' 5' 1 piece 10' 5" 2' XI" 18 pieces 6' 6* 18 „ 6' 6" 2''xi" 2 pieces 10' 8" 300' 550 sq. ft. 200 sq. ft. 18, 6"xr;4. 7"xf'' 4 prs. of 8" T. If felt is used, 220 sq. ft. of sawn boards can be used in places of the same quantity of t. & g. INSIDE SITTING BOXES A convenient size for a sitting box is i ft. sq. and 15 in. high. No bottom is used— small mesh netting can be employed as a guard against vermin — ;and the roof is made loose and rather larger and forms a lid. To remove the hen lift her out by one wing, in wl;iich case no eggs can get wedged between her legs and her body. Ventilation holes are bored SHEDS AND APPLIANCES 105 with a |vin. bit at top and bottom. Fig. 53 shows a good example of this form of box. Fig- 53- FEEDING CAGES Feeding cages for sitting hens should b^ made 18 in. square and j8 in. high. If placed in the open the roof wiU have to be made sloping. _ Such a cage should be 15 in. high at the back and 21 in. high in front. The door is in the lid. Fig. 54 sho-yvs a 'set of four cages. Kg- 54- io6 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES OUTSIDE SITTING BOXES A convenient size for outside sitting boxes is 14 in. square, 16 in. high in front arid 12 in. high at the back. The fifbnt of the box is made to fit into guides and acts as a door (Fig. 55). The run is' 2 ft. long by 14 in. wide, made of 2-in. by i-in. framing covered with wire-netting. Fig- 5S- SINGLE COOPS The number of forms of coops is legion. Four kinds are shown in Fig. 56. For early work a wooden floor, made movable, should be fitted. The diagrams will suffice for a description. DOUBLE COOPS ' A double coop, as its name implies, is made in two compartments. A useful size is 4 ft. long, 21 in. wide, 18 in. highlh front- and 15 in. high at the back. One compartment is 21 in. long ; the other section is 2 ft. 3 in. long.. The front of the smaller SHEDS AND APPLIANCES 107 Fig- S6- io8 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES section is fitted with a solid door. The partition _ and the front of the larger compartment are made of laths of wood ij in, by ^ in., placed 2 in. apart. Fig. 57^shows a coop of this description. Fig- 57. Fig. 58"illustrates a similar coop, but in this case the two sections ar,e the same length. The- roof, moreover,' is hinged in two parts to facilitate, cleaning. Fig. 58. A rather elaborate form of coop is that shown in Figs. 59 and 60. It is a very good design, but the SHEDS AND APPLIANCES 109 labour involved in building it is considerable. It is 4 ft. long, 18 in. wide, 18 in. high in front and 15 in. high at the back. The two compartments are 21 in. and 2 ft. 3 in. respectively. FRONT. BACtS. Fig. 59- END SEOION or PROMT DIVISION C SECTION , OP ' ■ !■ ■ BftCtS EMO Fig. 60. CHAPTER XI INCUBATOR HOUSES. & INCUBATORS A PORTABLE INCUBATOR HOUSE The house illustrated in Fig. 6i is 14 ft. long, 8 ft. 6 in. wide, 7 ft. 3 in. high to the eaves and 12 ft. 6 in. high to the gable. There is a lobby 2 ft. 9 in, wide. The framework is 2 in. by 3 in., and the outer boarding is i in. thick and the_inner | in. thick. A false roof is also made resting on the rafters. As will be noticed from the diagram, the ventilation is very efficient. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2"X3" BOARDING f'•K^" Back. 5 pieces 7' 3" upr. 24 pieces 7' 3" 3- „ 3'6"hor. ■ I piece 7' 3' a'Xi" 2 „ 8'6"diag. Front. 5 pieces 7' 3" upr. 17 pieces 7' 3" 2 ., 13' 6" \, I piece 7' 3" 2* XI 1 piece 10' 9" J ■ 7 pieces 3' 2 pieces 8' 6" diag. 7 „ 5' End (2) and Partitiofi, each. 3 pieces 7' 3" upr. 14 pieced J L?fi*° 3 ., 8' 6' hot. I piece 4"'xi'|to7'3'' 119 * INCUBATOR HOUSES & INCUBATORS in Fig.jSi, 112 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES 2 pieces 8' 6" diag. 2 „ 7', rafters 2 .1 5' 9" \, /louvre boards I piece i' 6"/ \ frames f " sawn boardsfor partition 'koof Rafters {2), each. 2 pieces 7' 2 ,.4' 9" I piece 8' 6" I .. 2' Fa&e i?oo/. Floor. 3 pieces 8' 6" Inside Lining. Totals. 2"X3" 7" XI" V 7"xf" - ~ Bolts Hinges Window 30 pieces 7 14 pieces 11' 3* 20, pieces 8' 6" 91 pieces 7' 3" 7"x|" 570' 1000 sq. ft. 540 sq. ft. _ 20, 8"xf" 2 prs.,io"T. 1 4' i" by 2', hinged at bottom to open inwards LARGE INCUBATOR HOUSE A larger incubator shed is that shown i« Figs. 62 and 63. This houseiis 32 ft. long, 16 ft. wide, 8^ ft.' to the eaves, 11 ft. to the gable. The lobby is 5 ft. wide. There are four vnndpws, each 4 ft. by 3 ft. 6 in., the upper part of -which opens outwards. Ventilation is by pipes and louvre boards in the far end. The house is double-walled, the outer wood being i in. thick, the inner f in. thick. The framing is 3 in. by 3 in. throughout, INCUBAWR HOUSES & INCUBATORS 1^3 ' VENTILffTOK^ ■ ~SU- IIN CU Bft OR \ TA BU E5 D IN CU BA OR } -^W I IN D OWS"^ Fig. 63, 'V^^ =n= CUPBOARD LOBBY CUPBOARD DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2''X3" Back. 7 pieces 8' 6" upr. 6 „ i5'9:'hor. H BOARDING 7"Xl" 55 pieces 8' 6" I piece 8' 6" i"xi" ii4 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Front. % 6 pieces 8' 6" upr. 6 „ 15' 9" hor. 9 ,. 4' 3" 4 ., 4' 6" 31 pieces 8' 6" I piece 8' 6" i"Xi* 20 pieces i' 20 „ 4'6" £■«& (2) «»(? Partition, 2 pieces 8' 6" 2 » 7'9" "''^- . ^ (-8' 6" to 27 pieces IJii'to^ I piece 3 Xi"/ Is' 6* 2 „ 16' " 12 pieces 2' 4 \ /for (^ „ 16' for I end) 8 „ 3' / \doors 2 „ 5' 6" ^ 2 „ 2' 6" 2 „ 8'5" Roof (2) Rafters,, each. 1 piece 16' 2 pieces 8' 5" 2 „ 2' 6"' 140 pieces 16' 3" 750 sq. ft. for inside boarding f/oor. Concrete. See Chapter II Totals. 2"X3" 7" XI" 7"xr ■ Iron Felt Bolts Hinges Windows . . ~8oo' ' ' . 1750 sq. ft. . 1850 sq. ft. . 36 sheets 9', 32I' ridging . 570 sq. ft. . 24, 8"xi" . 4 prs. 10" T., 4 prs. 3" butt . . 4. 4'><3'6"" A TANK INCUBATOR When constructing an incubator at home it is advisable to purchase all metal- parts from a recog- nised maker. The size of the machine must depend on the number of eggs it is to hold. A one-section machine should not have an egg capacity of more than 200 eggs. INCUBATOR HOUSES & INCUBATORS 115 Fig. 63. ii6 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES LEftOVyEHJHT **^^V LEVER OPS'^PER , Fig. 64. The shell of the incubator is m^de with double walls-— the outer i in. thick and the inner f in. thick — and the space betweeh the two is filled with some non-conducting material. "Wood-wool or fine shavings is excellent for this purpose. The comers of the outer casing should be jointed as shown. A space of 2 in. should be left at the top of the. tank and fiUed in with the same material as the spaces INCUBAtOR HOUSES & INCUBATORS 117 in the sides. The three diagrams given in Fig. 64 should enable anyone to build a good, workable machine. / A HOT-AIR MACHINE The construction of a hot-air incubator, as shown in Fig. 65, is very similar as regards the shell as in the case of a tank machine. The only part not shown in the diagram is a V-shaped trough of card- board over the hort-air flue in the upper part of the machine. A number of holes is also bored in the metal flue. The heat».is consequently difected downwards. j l Lt-VEft UWEROFTHKK CARDOOnRD ' FEaOlftPHRflM EClC) DRAWER ■^ HOLE% S, SLIDino BOARD Fig. 65. CHAPTER XII BROODER HOUSES AND BROODERS HOUSE FOR INDIVIDUAL BROODERS An excellent house for this purpose is shown in Figs. 66 and 67. It is 48 ft. long, 16 ft. wide, 11 ft. high in front and 8 ft. high' at the back. - There is a gangway 3 ft. wide for 36 ft. of the length. The arrangement of the house wiU be seen from the ground plan in Fig. 66. Four large windows are fitted in front. A wooden floor is fitted. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2 Back. 9 pieces 8' 6 „ 15' 9" 3 ,. 16' Front. 12 pieces li' 4 » II' 9" 4 » 12' 6 „ 6' 2" 2 „ i'6" I'xi' 6 „ 6' or West End. I piece 16 "xs" BOARDING 7' XI upr. } ^- 82 pieces 8' I piece 8' 4''xi'' upr. \hor. 41 pieces 11' I piece --11' 3" XI' 82 pieces i' 6" I „ 16 I „ 13 ' 1 _ 27 pieces \„, '5" y hor. I piece s'xi" r ' J 118 II BROODER HOUSES AND BROODERS 119 I „ 8' I .. 11' I „ 8' 9" r^"?'^' o V FOOT PATH WIRP r PATH DUST BATH COMPARTMENT FOR OLDER >. CHICKENS ^ GR AS RUMS GROUnD PLAM 120 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES ZSl End I piece i6' I II i6' 5" I 13' I 8' I 9' 6" I 10' 3" I 11' hor. upr. Same as West End Roof (3 Sections), each. 3 pieces 17' i" 29 pieces 16' 8" 7"Xf" I piece 16' 8" 2"X,f £acA Partition, 4 pieces 8' 8"" 4 .. '5 .. 4;,„U"xi" I piece 6' Cross Partition. I piecfe 16' 1 2 pieces 6' 6" I piece 8' 8" . 2"XI" I » 9, 3 I „ 9' 10" I „ 10' 5'' Small Partitions (4 , each. 2 pieces 13' \„«^^« -2 „ 3' 6"/ ^^ Floor. 15 pieces 16' K 82 pieces 16' I piece 16' 2" X2" Toiafc. 2"X3" . 1200' - 2"Xl" 300' 7" XI" . 1900 sq; ft. 7"xr . . 1000 sq. ft. Felt 840 sq. ft. Netting . 74 ft. 3' 6", 16 ft. 5' Bolts . 46,8"xi" Hinges . 2 prs. 10" T., 12 prs. 2" butt Windov fS . . 4-5'8"x6' BROODER HOUSES AND BROODERS tzt 1 "♦ ' 1 « I5'J9' >< l6'- -> < 15' 9 " > FRftMEWORK OF 6AC(\ IN THREE SECTIONS -11.9 »V FRAMEWORK OF FRONT IN FOUR 5EOT0N5 ^ ^^ < — lb' — ■* wew ENO ^ " — - z - +- — ,fc- \' J \R00F} in three 5ECT10N5. 'FRftMEWORV* OF BACtS FftRTlTIOfl Fig. 67. 122 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES A -PIPE BROODER HOUSE In place of individual brooders it is possible to use hot-water pipes with hovers built over. This is a rather expensive system, but for a~ large house it is more convenient. The house illustrated in Figs. 68 and 69 is 22 ft. long, 16 i€ wide, 5 ft. high in front, 6 ft. high at the back and 9 ft. to the apex. Fig. 68. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2"X3" BOARDING 7"Xl" Back. 7 pieces' 6' ~| upr. 38 pieces 6' hor. i-i 10 '6" y ' J BROODER HOUSES AND BROODERS 123 ^Froni. 7 pieces 5' upr. a 2 6 2 8 .11' 6" 10' 4' 4' 4' a' 10' 20 pieces 3' I piece 5' 4"xi' } a''x2" £as;f End. I piece I „ I ,, I .. I » I 16' \ hor. 5 6' 9' 7' hor. 16 pieces i' 8 „ i' 2" XI" 16 „ I' 6" 8 „ i'6" 2'^xi" 27 pieces 5' to 9' I piece s'xi" 6' less window >■ upr. 2 pieces 6' 3* hor. 2 „ 2' 6" upr. 3 ., 4' 6" I piece 4' 10" \ , I „ 14' / *^°"^- Wesi End and Partition, each. i,piecei6'\j^^^_ I I I I I I I I upr. Same as East End hor. Side of Gangway 3 pieces 9 33 2' 2" X I* doors Partitions (3), each. 1 piece 7'\2''V2" 2 pieces la' / Netting, 16 ft. a' 2 pieces 12' Netting, 12 ft. 2' 124 fitOME-MAD^ POULTRY APPLIANCES ==s= ■'>- II L. — — '"^^' ^ ■■' ■ l'l"l U 11 II I 5 FRAMeW0Rl< OF PROMT -, 5I «J - _ i - 1 ■3 I >5 '~^ — ar*^ ^ 'J ^ ^ FRAMEWORK OF BACK 6- ?f^ 16- a2' F=R»1EW0RK FORaOEOF OflNGWAY Fig. 69. D BROODER HOUSES AND BROODERS 125 Roof (3), Rafters each. I piece 4' 10" 30 pieces 11' 4" I ,, 14' Floor. 3 pieces 16' 54 pieces 8' 2 „- 8' fxi" Totals. 2" X 2" . 160' 2"X3" . 700' 7" X i" . 1250 sq. ft. Felt . 450 sq. ft. Netting . . 52 ft. 2' wide Bolts .V27,8"xi" Hinges . 3 prs. 10" T., 5 prs. 3" butt, 8 prs. 2" butt Windows . . 5each3'X2i' Fig. 70. 126 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES BROODER HOUSE RUNS The wire-netting for the runs sliould be 3 ft. 6 in. high and i in. mesh. The erection of the' runs is carried Out in the same manner as suggested for poultry runs in Chapter IX. PIPE AND STOVE INSTALLATIONS Special precautions are necessary when the brooder house is to be heated by a system of hot- water pipes. A pit must be dug sufficiently deep to accommodate the stove, and this should be Hned with brickwork' (Chap. II). Fig. 70 shows the, arrangement of . the stove andT pipes, and Fig. 71 illustrates the hovers which are placed over the pipes and in which the chickens sleep. The dia- grams are self-explanatory. Fig. 71. BROODER HOUSES AND BROODERS 127 AN INDOOR BROODER A useful form of individual indoor brooder is shown in Fig. 72. It is on the hot-air system. The brooder is 2 J ft. by 2^ ft., 18 in. high at the back and 21 in. high in front. The floor is raised and the lamp is placed underneath. By the arrange- ment of the heater the ingoing air is raised in- temperature and this passes directly under the hover. The hover is circular, with a diameter of 21 in., and it rests on a support 7 in. in diameter, the side of which is made of small mesh netting.' Fig. 72 (*)■ WRBMETTHI6 Fig. 72 W- 128 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES The holes in the hover and top of hover support enables one to regulate the temperature. The sheet of tin below the wooden floor prevents any danger of fire, as also of floor heat. Jhere is a small trap- door at the back for the lamp, which rests on a piece of wood running in grooves. A thermometer should be inserted in a hole in the hover. The flannel strips can be folded over the top of the hover in hot weather. AN OUTDOOR BROODER Fig. 73 shows the construction of a good form of outdoor brooder. It is made in three compartments, ■ Fig. 73. BROODER HOUSES AND BROODERS 129 namely, a sleeping chamber, an enclosed liin fitted with a glass front and a wire-netted run. The brooder is 7 ft. long and 2 ft. wide, with the sections 2 ft., 2 ft. and 3 ft. respectively. It is 2 ft. high in front and 21 in. high at the back. A false roof is fitted to the sleeping compartment, as shown. The object of this is to retain the ieat. The brooder is constructed throughout of i-in. t. & g. wood, and, if thought necessary, the sleeping chamber can be double-walled. ANOTHER FORM OF OUTDOOR BROODER ' Fig. 74 shows a similar brooder *to that illus- trated in Fig. 72, but in this case a covered run is added as shown. The arrangement of the sleeping compartment is identical with the indoor brooder already dealt with. The covered run is 2| ft. by 2^ ft., and the floor is on a lower lever with, a sloping board — ^hinged to close at night — between the two compartments. Fig. 74. 130 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES AN ADDITIONAL BROODER RUN The run shown in Fig. 75 is 12 ft. long and aj ft. wide. It is i ft. high at the eaves and i ft. 6 in. at the gable. The roof is in four parts, each one hinged to form a lid. The netting used is i ft. wide. A run of this description takes -I25|^ ft. of 2 in. by I in., 38J sq. ft. oif-in. matching and 26^ ft. of i-ft. netting; Fig. 7S- CHAPTER Xlli FATTENING SHED, CAGES. &c. THE FATTENING SHED A FATTENING shcd must be well built of sound material, since warmth is an essential factor toward successful fattening. It must, moreover, be wd ventilated. A large' number of birds are kept in a confined space, and therefore an abundant supplj. of pure air is necessary. Semi-darkness is also needed, hence no windows are fitted. In a long shed, however, small windows~may be builf into the walls every 12 ft. - The most convenient width for a shed of this description is 14 ft. This allows for a row of cages down each side and a double row in the centre. The length depends on the number of birds to be fattEned at the same time. Tn the shed with which I am going to deal I have made it 12 ft. 4 in. in length. This means that the side frameworks are 12 ft. long, and therefore, by the addition of extra ±2Jt. lengths to each side, the house can be lengthened at will. If the shed is to be lengthened 12 ft., two sid© sections, two roof- supports and 12 ft. of roofing will be required. The rafters should be 6 ft. apart. 132 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES ' Figs. 76 and 77 show the framework for the different parts of the house. It will be noticed that two forms of roof framing are shown in Fig. ']']. No. I takes rather more timber, but, since the pieces are bolted together, the labour involved is not nearly so much as is required for rhaking No. 2. Strongly constructed rafters are necessary. The roof is made of sawn boards and corrugated iron. The ventilation is by means of louvre boards in each end. In a longer house ventilating shafts^ would have to be fitted in the roof as shown in Fig. 15. Double doors are fitted in each end. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2"X3" Sides (2), each. BOARDING 7"Xl" T. & G. 3 pieces 8' upr. 3 „' 12' hor. 21 pieces 8' I piece 8' V'Xi" Encis (2), each. 2 pieces 8' upr. 2 „ . 9' 5" » 2 „ 3' "1 louvre 2 „ i' 6" )■ board 2"X2"J frame 2 „ 14' hor. 2 „ 7' 7" .. 2 „ 4' 20 pieces 7" X i" \8' to n' I piece 4"xi"/ to 8' Roof. No. I. '■ 1 piece 14' hor. 26 pieces 13' sawn boards 2 pieces 11' struts 7" x f " 2 „ 7' 7" roof 2 „ 13' sawn boards I piece| 13' 4" X i" ridge 4" x f " 3 pieces 13' 2"x i" for iron FATTENING SHED, CAGES, &c, 133 Fig. 76. 134 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES No. 2. 1 piece 14' As for No. i" 2 pieces 7' 7* 2 ., 2'4'' For each additional section of 12' Sides (2). 6 pieces > 8' ,. 12' No. I. 40 pieces 8' 2 „ 8' 4" XI" Roof. 2 pieces 14' 4 .. ' "' 4 .. 7 7 I piece 12' 4" 6 pieces 12' 4" i\ro. 2. 1 2 pieces 14' 4 » 7' T 4 • » 2' 4" 2" XI" 26 pieces 12' 4* \ sawn J boards 2 „ 12-4" 7" xr As for No. I Iron. 14 pieces 8' long Totals, with No. i roof framing. 2"X3' •• •• 450' 2" XI' 7" XI* 7"xr Iron Bolts Hinges 2"X2'' 20' Cut from 7''x i" matching t. & g., 500 sq. ft. Sawn boards, 250 sq. ft. 14 pieces 8' long as^e'xj'; 2,8''x|'' 4 pis. 9' T. INSIDE CAGES One of the simplest forms of fattening cages to make is that shown in Fig. 78. It is 6 ft. long, FATTENING SHED, CAGES, .&c. 135 Fig. 77- 136 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES 15 in. wide and 15 in. high. It is divided into three compartments. The front, back, ends and parti- tions are made from two pieces of 2 in. by i in. joined together by strips of wood i in. by ^ in., placed 2 in. apart. The sections are then nailed together and similar strips of wood are used for the y^ooi. The floor is made of spars of wood. The floor spars are nailed on to frames mad|e by driving two 4-ft. posts I ft. into the ground and joining them at the top with a cross-piece 18 in. long. The object of making the floor separate is to facihtate •the work of cleaning and whitewashing. The centre lath in the front of each compartment is made movable to form a door. Fig. 78. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2"XI" SPARS X"xi" Front. 2 pieces 6' Back. 25 pieces 15" 6 „ 7" \ for 6 „ if" /doors 2 pieces 6' ,• 25 pieces 15" FATTENING SHED, CAGES, &c. 137' Ends and Partitions, 2 of each. 2 pieces 13" 10 pieces 15" Roof. 12 „ 6' Floor. 12 „ 6' Totals, not allowing for waste. 2"xi" ... ..34' i"xr •• •• 188' loi" i"Xi"xi" .. .. Floor laths, 72' OUTSIDE CAGES For use in the open, the fattening cages must be made with- a solid, sloping, roof . Such a cage should be 18 in. high in front and 15 in. high at the back, and roofed with three widths of weather-boarding 7 in. wide. This type is shown in Fig. 79. Fig. 79-- DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2"Xl'' BOARDING l"XF Front. 2 pieces 6' 23 pieces 18" 6 „ 7" I for 6 „ if" /doors 138 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Back. 2 pieces 6' ^ • 25 pieces 15" Ends and Partitions, 2 each. I, piece 15" 10 pieces 15" to 18" I „ 19" Floor. 12 pieces 6' i" X i" X i" Roof. 3 pieces of 6' weather-boarding 7" wide Totals, not allowing for waste. 2"xi" 35' 4" . i"xr .... .. 127' lof" i"xi"x4" .. .. 72' - 7" weather^boarding . . 18' ' FATTENING COOP , When only a small number of birds is to be fattened, as in the case of a backyard or allotment poultry-keeper, a small apex house and run can be used for the purpose. Such a house is illustrated in Fig. 80. This is made 9 ft. long, 3 ft. wide, and each side is 3 ft. high. One-third of the roof is made solid, as is one end ; two-thirds of the roof and the other end are fitted with spars of wood 2 in. wide by. if in. thick, placed 2 in. apart. No floor is used. The frame is constructed from 2 in. by I in. scantling. Weather-boarding is employed for the roof. There is no partition and no perches. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2" X l" SPARS 2" X f " WEATHER-BOARDING Sides (2), each. \ r^" wide 2 pieces 9' 3 » 3' 24 pieces 3' 6 pieces 6' FATTiENING SHED, CAGES, &c.j 139 Ends (2). 6 pieces 3' Fig. 80. 6 pieces to 2' 10" to 6 pieces 6" to 3' Totals, not allowing for waste. a'xi' .. ..72' 2''xr .. .,. ' 132' 64". - 6" weather-boarding 82^' or 41^ sq. ft. " SHAPING BOARDS Fig, 81 shows a shaping board built in three rows and capable of holding 30 to 36 birds. Each trough is made V-shaped, the front of which is rather narrower than the back. These troughs consist of only twelve pieces of wood, namely, two upright ends, 36 in. by 7 in. ; three troughs; eaph made of two pieces at right angles, tha back board 7 in. wide and the front 5 in., and 30 in. long ; a 140 HOME-MADE 'POULTRY APPLIANCES bottom stay ; three loose' boards, J in. shorter thari the troughs and 4 in. wide. Totals. 7" XI" . . 16' 2" 5" XI" .. . . 7' 6" 4" XI" • ■ 7' 4¥ Fig. 8r. CHAPTER XIV DUCK AND DUCKLING HOUSES A PORTABLE DUCK HOUSE A GOOD example of a small portable duck house is shown in Fig. 82,. It is 6 ft. long, 3 ft. 6 in. wide, 4 ft. 6 in. high in front and 2 ft. 9 in. at the back. The floor is raised 9 in. off the ground. The various diagrams explain the arrangement of the house. DETAILED QUANTITIES "Uftrt FRAMING Z"X2 DdCl 2 pieces 5' 8" hor. 2 2 it 29 4' II upr. " door 2" XI" Ends (2), each. I I I I piece if 2' ^ 3' 9", 3' 8"' 3' 6" \ upr- |. hor. Front. 2 3 pieces 3' 9" „ 5' 8" upr. hor. 141 BOARDING 7X1 2 pieces 2 9 8 „ 2'- I piece 2' 4"xi" I piece 3' oj" I .. 4' 6" I ,. 3' 4" V I „ 3' 11" 1 „ 4' 2*" 2 pieces 4' 6" 2& » 3' 9" m „ i't6" ifpiece]i'6" 4"xi" 142 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES FROnT ELEVflTlon EnO ELEVATIOIi 1 1 1 p ._ , 1 «♦, J ROOFPLfln FIjOOR PLAM SECTIOM. BACK OPEN Fig. 82, DUCK AND DUCKLING HOUSES 143 Roof. 3 pieces Floor. IRwmer. 6' 8" II pieces 4*" 9* I piece 4' 9' 3*X 10 pieces 3' 6" 1 piece 3' 6" 2"x 2 pieces 2' Totals. 2"X2" . . 100' 7" XI" Bolts Hinges N-etting 100 sq. ft 8,6"xr .. 2, 8"T. 10 sq. ft.~ ~ A BREEDING HOUSE FOR DUCKS , The house shown in Fig. 83 is 10 ft. long, 5 ft. wide, 5 ft. high in front and 4 ft. high at the back. The front is boardeH up 4 ft. 3 in. high. The back is in the form of two doors, each 4 ft. 9 in. by 4 ft. The trap in front is 2 ft. by 18 in. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2" X 2" Back. BOARDING 7" Xl" •3 pieces 4' upr. 3 ,. 9' 8" hor. 4 „, 4' 8" dpors 'Ends {1^), each. 17 pieces i' I piece i' 3"xt" 17 pieces 3' I piece 3' 3" XI" I piece 4' xY 7 pieces 4' 3" I. piece 4' 3" 4" XI 1 piece 5' 2^"/ Front. 2 pieces 5' t piece 3'6"f^^^' 3 pieces 9' 8" hof . :> 17 pieces 4' 3* ^ I piece 4' 3" 3" XI" 144 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES 1 . ■. FRAMEWORK OF BACK T :T p ~ ROOF ^USDERaOE) Fig. 83 DUCK AND DUCKLING HOUSES M5 2 pieces i' 6" 1 . , 1 piece 2' L trap-door , 2" XI" J ^^^""^ "P'^'^^^^l^^j:} trap-door Roof. 2 pieces 5' ii" lo pieces lo' 8' I piece lo'S* i"xi'' Totals. z'x%" .. .. .. 220' -7"xi" 220 sq.ft. Wire 15 sq. ft. Bolts 14. e-'xi' A DUCKLING HOUSE The house illustrated in Figs. 84 and 85 can be, used eifher as a brooder house — ^by the use of in- dividual brooders — or for growing ducklings for market after they are two weeks to three weeks old. It is 20 ft. long, 13 ft. wide, 3J ft. high in front ,and 7 ft. -high at the back. There is a 3-ft. gang- way insidfe, and the remainder of the house is divided into six compartments, each 10 ft. by 4 ft. It is ventilated by shafts, as shown in Fig. 15. The runs are 20 ft. long by 4 ft. wide, as shown in Fig. 84. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2''X2" BOARDING 7"X l' Back. 5 pieces 7' upr. 41 pieces 7' 3 •„ 23'8''hor. I piece 7' s'xi" Front. 7 pieces 3' 6" upr. 41 pieces 3' 6" 3 „ 23' 8' hor. I piece 3' 6" 3'x i' 12 „ i' 5' trap-doors 146 HOME-MAPE POULTRY APPLIANCES -~=%ij^ WH^^^^^ '^^^^^ PftRl ITION ^^^>^ -««._ ^ 4 i 1 Fwt^EWDRK OF FRONT ■V a KH nw7i TOO* f RA« for 6 „ i'9" 4''xi''/ 1 1 f 24' ' ' » 1 II L^ Fig. 85. 148 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES way down the sides of the run, to hold the sides together. The wood used is 2 in. by i^ in, DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING 2" Xli" NETTING 2' WIDE Front. 2 pieces 24' i piece 24^ Sides (7), each. 2 pieces 20' i piece 20' 3 .. 2' Rafter: I piec^ 24' Totals. 2*xii" .. 328', without allowing"*for wastage Netting . . 164', 2' v.ide- 1" mesh CHAPTER XV GOOSE AND TURKEY HOUSES Whenever possible, a permanent buildiiig on the farm should be made use of for housing geese and turkeys. If a house must be erected, however, the same type of structure will answer for both kinds of birds. An excellent form of . house for this purpose is that shown in Fig. 86. This house is 40 ft. long, 15 ft. wide, 8 ft. to the eaves and 11 ft. to the gable. The front is fitted with two doors, each 5 ft. wide. The whole of the front is made with spars of wood 3 in. wide and i in. thick, placed 3 in. apart. Three additional framework rafters are used to support the roof. DETAILED QUANTITIES FRAMING Z'XS" BOARDING 7"Xl' Back. 5 pieces 8' upr. 68 pieces 8' 3 „ 39'8"hor., or i piece 8' 6''xi" (6 „ 19' 10") Ends (2)v each. 2 pieces 8' a"") 25 pieces 18' to 11' 1 piece 6' 6" \ upr. i piece s'xi'/to 8' 2 pieces 4' 3"J I 149 150 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES L .. ■11 ~~^ l__ '■ [J— : PRftneWORA OF BACK FRftMEWDRK OF FROWT PRftMEWORK OFENOa ROOF SUPPORTS Fig. 86. GOOSE AND TURKEY HOUSES 151 2 pieces 2 2 eces 15' 1 3' y hor. » 7' 4''J 3 pieces 39' 8", or (6 „ ig'.io") 80 pieces 8' 3*xi'' '6 '6 4 4 8' upr. 8' > for doors 6'j 2?oo/ (3 Frames). 1 piece 15' 2 pieces 8' i* 2 „ 2' Totals. 3" XI" 2"X2" 2"X3' 7* XI" 7"xr Felt Bolts Hinges 56 pieces 10'- 4" \sa\^n boards 56 „ 10' / 7''xr^ 700' 550' 120' t. & g. 675 sq. ft. Sawn boards, 725 sq. ft. 675 sq.-^t. la.S'xr; 6,7"xr 2 prs. of ro* T. PERCHES FOR TURKEYS Reference was made to perches ior turkeys in Chapter VIII. It was stated that 2-in. diameter Fig 87. 15,2 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES \ fir poles is the best form. A suitable arrangement of perches is shown in Fig. 87. These can be" used inside a turkey, house or outside in the open during warm weather. The best height to have them is I ft. from the ground, and the spars should be 3 ft. 6 in. apart. INDEX Backyardjiouse and run, plans for, 79-82 Backyard poultry plant plan, A, 45 Bricks, facts about size and laying of, 21 Brooder hoMses — ■ Large, plans for, 1 1 8-1 2 1 Pipe and stove installations, 126 Pipe brooder house plan, 122-125 Runs for, 126 Brooders — Additional run for, 1 30 Indoor, 127 ., Outdoor, plans for, 128-129 Carpentry, knowledge of a great asset to poultry- keepers, 13 Cement, components parts of, and how to mix, 21 Cockerel house range. A, plans for, 73-76 Coops, double, 106-109 DUck house — Breeding house, A, 143-145 For growing ducklings, 145- 147 Portable, 141-143 ^ - Runs to, 147 Fattening cages in the open, plans for, 137 Fattening coop, A, 138 Fattening sheds — •Inside cages for, 134 Plans for, 131-134 Floors — Ashes and tar, 23 Concrete, 25 Earth, 23 Essential in making, 22 Gravel, 23 Wooden, 24 Foundations for small poultry houses, 20 Geese, house suitable for, 1 50 Green-food rack. A, 92 Guides for trap-doors and shut- ters, to make, 93 Half-way house for chickens, plan for, 76-79 Incubator house — Large, plan for, 11 2-1 14 Portalale, plan for, 110-112 Incubators — Hot-air machine. A, 117 Tank, IJ4-116 Jerry-built appliances, the true meaning of, 1 5 Joints, ^cample of making, 55-37 Large intensive house, plans for, 69-72 Medium-sized intensive house, plans for, 66-69 IS3 154 HOME-MADE POULTRY APPLIANCES Nails and screws, what to buy, 38 Nest boxes, variotis, 84, 85 Open-fronted scratching shed house, plans for, 54-56 Outside sitting-boxes, 106 Perches — Best type of, 83 Dropping-board and nests - combined, 86 For turkeys, 151 Plans- Calculating the quantity of boarding, 31 Of the framing necessary for estimating materials, 30 Roof pitch and what to consider, 32 Work out before beginhing to build, 29 Working put quantities re- quired,, 33 Portable house, plans for, 60-65 Poultry houses — Cubic air space, 49 . Floor space per adult bird, 47 General principles in build- ing, 47 Head room essential, 48 Jerry-built v. expensive, 14 Lighting of, 50 Three main points for build- ing your own, 16 Ventilation, 51 Why not build your own ? 14 Poultry plant on one acre, plan for, 43 Poultry runs — Dual runs, 96 T'ences for, 98 Gates' and catches in, 100, lOI Gravel areas, 97 Posts and netting for, 98, 99 Size for, 96 Poultry yard, the — Allow room for extension, 41 Footpaths advisable in, 43 Planning permanent build- ings in, 41 Soils and sub-soiI$ best for, 39 Special features in, 42 *" Things to consider in laying out a, 39 Rain gutter ior houses, 95 Roofs — Boards with corrugated iron, 26 Boards with roofing felt, 26 Boards with tarred brown paper, 27 Roosting and -scratching shed compartment house, plan for, 57-59 Self-feeding hoppers, 92 Shaping boards, to make, 139 Sitting hen house — , Feeding cages, 105 Inside sitting-boxes, 104 Plan for, 102-104 Tirap-nests, various, 86-90 Troughs, 90, 91 Turkey house, plan for, 149- 150 Wheels for portable poultry houses, 27 Wood, varieties required — Framing wood, 20 Sawn boards, 18 Suitable for building poultry houses, 17 Three-ply, 19 Varieties of boarding- to employ for main building, 17 - - Weather-boarding, 18 What to buy in matching, 19 --^ The Mayflower Press^ Plymouth^ England* William Brendon &^on, LtcU The "Smallholder" Library tn Stiff Paper Boards. Price f/C net. Post free t/9 each. A Series of Handbooks specialljr prepared for the use of Smallholders. No. 1. PROFITABLE BEE.KEEPINO. By H. E. Giary, F.E.S., Expert to the Leicestershire Bee-lceepen' Asiociatioli, etc. With 13 Illustrations from Photographs. No. 2. PRACTICAL HINTS FOR THE HOLDING. With 240 Illustrations. A Series of Prize Paragraphs from "The Smallholder," eivmg practical advice on the working of a Small Holding. No. 3. PROFITABLE POULTRY KEEPING. For Smallholders and others. By E. T. Brown, formerly Lecturer on Poultry Keeping to the Royal Agricultural College, Cirencester, etc. etc. With Photographs and many Diagrams. No. 4. THE MARKET GARDEN : How to Start and Run it ' Profitably. With numerous Illustrations. By the Gardening Experts of "The Smallholder." '^ No. 6. PIGS : How to Make them Pay. Breeding, Feeding, and Hous- ing. With numerous Illustrations and Photographs. No. 8. MANURES AND MANURING. By "Farmer Gilbs." This volume explains in plain language the right methods of treating all kinds of Crops. No. 9. UTILITY RABBIT KEEPING. With chapters on Fancy Rabbits, Rabbits for Exhibition, etc. No. 10. THE ALLOTMENT BOOK. How to make the most of your Land. , By Walter Brett. Author of " War Time Gardening." No. II. THE POTATO BOOK. All about the Potato. By J. C. Newsham, F.L.S. With 8 pages of Photographs and other Diagrams. No. 12. PROFITABLE GOAT KEEPING. By the Experts of " The Smallholder." With numerous Illustrations. No. 13. DUCKS, GEESE, AND TURKEYS. By E. T. Brown, Instructor at the College Poultry Farm, Theale, Berks, etc. No. 14. THE GARDEN FRAME FOR FOOD AND FLOWERS. By W. F. Rowles. Author of " Greenhouses," etc. No. 15. OME THOUSAND ANSWERS TO ONE THOUSAND QUESTIONS ON SMALLHOLDING SUBJECTS. Edited by E. T. Brown. A viiluable compendium of information on all matters of interest to workers on the Land. No. i6. HOW TO MARKET YOUR PRODUCE ; or, The Selling Side of Smallholding. By F. 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