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Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiatives
Range Shelters Solve Crowding and Fresh Pasture Problems
By Prof. J. R. Cavers, University of Manitoba
| Prairie poultry raisers are turning to range
shelters to avoid the inevitable over-crowding at the end the brooding period. Well
feathered pullets 8-10 weeks old depending on breed and season, can be put into shelters,
choosing a spell of fine weather for the move. Cheaper than colony houses, shelters often
are credited with better pullets in the fall.
|
The plans shown here are a design used successfully for seven seasons at the University plant. We have had early March pullets in the shelters since the first week of May. The rear wall is boarded solid making a sturdy coop. The floor now favoured is 1 in. x 2 in. mesh welded fabric of 16 gauge or heavier wire. There is some difficulty in obtaining it and neighbors may have to work together as rolls usually are sold uncut. There are ready made shelters on the market. |
Note: This factsheet is provided as a historical document describing poultry management in the 1940's. Modern meat-type chickens should not be reared on wire mesh floors. |
