The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1872-12-19
Farm, Garden, and Household.
Raising Poultry.

In reply to a correspondent Henry Stew
art gives the following practical ideas about
poultry
ON two acres of land it would De folly to
attempt TO keep 900 fowls with the eXpec-
iaiiou that they could be permitted TO have
any range. II closely penned up 1000 fowls
might he kept on two acres by the exercise
'i the utmost care and by ali experienced
keeper. But there would be no accomnoda-
ton fer Young chicks and the necessary
ronps to shelter them. It i possible that
400 hens could he kept on two acres, but not
any more. | have had some experience, and
would rather nave at the rate Of one acre to
100 fowls than less but have no doubt that
coud succeed with 400 on two acres. The
ground should be enclosed with picket
lence, and the buildings placed on the north
side and facing to the south The height of
The fence should be five feet for Brahmas,
and nine feet or more for the more active
fowls. have found O rooSting-house
eighteen feet long. twelve feet wide, and
isht high at the back, and twelve at front,
with single Slopn9 root, and built OF com
mon boards. nat blttened. but with the
Joints opeu-qute sufficient accommodation
and Iuite warm enough for 200 fowls.
Fresh AR Is oi vastly more Importance than
warmth IN 4 climate much colder than
that of New ork have never had I fowls
s1mh frozen In such house rs this on the
t'ldest nights. when the temperature has
been below zero and q strong wind blowing
Foo much warmth induces disease catarrh
ronp amt dysentary are caused bv impure air
and warmth produced by budding in a
,.'~r apartment. Artificial warmth is bet
'-r than sweating in this manner. A setting
house dioin,ng The r0osting- house and of
lhe same size needs to be provided. without
windows, and with a shelf all round, on
which is placed the nests, raised two feet
from the ground Another shed. adjoining
The rov>Ong house Ut the other end open in
thc front, should he provided for shelter on
stormy days, and fol the fowls to wallow in.
lhu$ these three apartments adjoining each
other in line are needed for POO fowls. and
hy adding additional sets the colonies may
1c Increased 50 long as there is room for
them. have found light Brahmas the best
nn the whole. They are good layers. very
gentle and tame, and easily handled, weigh
seven or eight pounds when matnreG and
are not able TO get over a five loot fence
hey are hardy, | have succeeded well with
D1rkinSs- but they are more inyeterate set
'ers, and not 50 easily broken up as Brah-
mas, are not so heavy al two years Old, not
-o prolific layers, and are more tender.
Doubtless the very best fowls for common
as, to commence with are good young ma
live hens supplied with Brahma and Dork-
ing cocks, each year, alternately. Bu'
.hert is great variety Of opinion in this
rcspect and beginners should experiment
t-I .Ulted. 1t is entirely safe to say to be-
-luHerS. commence to 90 into this business
gradually. and learn as you go along and as
success comes, increase IS may be desirable.
\ new beginner will inevitably fail if he
COMMENCES on a larger scale than with tif
~ tu 0nt hundred fowls.