It is necessary to look at poultry housing from three viewpoints viz.; (1) biological (2) engineering (3) economic. Proper housing of poultry is important as a means of providing proper environmental conditions like temperature, humidity, aeration, and light for maximum production. The suitable engineering design will make it possible to control these conditions for a flock of a given size within reasonable cost. A poultry house should provide the hens adequate protection from unfavourable weather conditions and natural predators. It should also be convenient for the operator to take care of the flock with minimum effort and expenditure.
Design: The design of poultry house should be well suited to weather conditions of the locality. Narrow houses (width 6 to 7m) with length according to the number of birds to be housed (generally 30 to 35m) is preferable, as control of moisture, ventilation and light is easier in narrow houses.
Foundation:
The foundation must be solid enough to support the building and should be raised at least 30 cm. above the ground level so that floor remains dry. At the plinth level there should be a concrete slab projecting about 60 cm on all sides, so as to prevent the rats snakes etc., entering the shed. The floor should be cemented damp-proof, free from cracks and possible to clean easily.
Direction:
For effective cross ventilation, the linear axis of the shed should be at right angles to the direction of wind. Therefore the direction of poultry shed should be north-south.
Walls:
Complete masonary walls should be made on both north and south ends, with doors of about 1.5m x 2m. The central height should be minimum 3m. and sides about 2m. The linear sides on east and west must have 50 cm masonary wall and remaining 1.5m. wire netting with pillars at 3 m intervals to support the roof.
Roof:
Sloping roof made of tiles, corrugated galvanised iron or asbestos - cement sheet is suitable. There should be sufficient over hangs (minimum 1 m) of the roofing on the sides. so that rain water will not enter the shed. For small units even thatched roofing may be sufficient, but it requires regular attention and occasional rethatching.
