. The business hen (a new brood). Poultry. The Hen's House. 55. Fig. 30. IIAYWARD'S 14-I-IEN HOUSE. ing to wind pressure against its sides. When plain dead-air spaces are used, tlien one-half inch will suffice as well as more. I am of the opinion that the ceiling will be better if tlie lumber is not matched, thereby leaving small cracks to be covered with two or three feet of dry, loose ; It will be noticed that Mr. Cook allows less than two square feet of floor space to each hen, but the greatest care is taken to have this floor clean. The litter is changed frequently, and the floo
. The business hen (a new brood). Poultry. The Hen's House. 55. Fig. 30. IIAYWARD'S 14-I-IEN HOUSE. ing to wind pressure against its sides. When plain dead-air spaces are used, tlien one-half inch will suffice as well as more. I am of the opinion that the ceiling will be better if tlie lumber is not matched, thereby leaving small cracks to be covered with two or three feet of dry, loose ; It will be noticed that Mr. Cook allows less than two square feet of floor space to each hen, but the greatest care is taken to have this floor clean. The litter is changed frequently, and the floor is swept often, which is possible, since it is made of concrete. The manure is cleaned out before it becomes offensive. It would not be possible to keep the hens in health in such crowded quarters if the house were not kept so clean. We have many other reports of hens crowded into a small space and yet laying remarkably well. In every such case the houses are well ventilated and kept thor- oughly clean. It seems to be settled that we may safely use the animal heat of hens or cows to keep up the temperature of their rooms if we can provide for a supply of pure air and dispose of the foul air without creat- ing too much of a draft. THE DUST BOX.—This ought to stand in the sunshine out of all drafts; under the front window is a good place. Road dust is excellent. It is well to secure a quantity of it during a dry spell in Summer. We have found dry sifted coal ashes good. A large shallow box is best. Do not fill it too full so the Hens will kick the dust over the floor. In some cases a small quantity of lime is added to the dust, but we do not like it, as it takes the gloss from the feathers. Do not let the dust remain too long. It must not become damp or caked. In freezing weather the dust box should be emptied frequently, so as to keep the dust dry. THE FLOOR.—Good arguments are advanced for cement, board or earth floors, just as different housekeepers pre- fer carpets, mat
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