The half monitor type is not so popular as the two types already named, and costs considerably more than either of the two previous types discussed. This type of house has an arrangement similar to two shed roof houses, facing each other, the rear house being somewhat higher than the front house. Of course, such houses have their advantages, but for the one who would start with moderation in the poultry business, the shed roof, or the gable roof type will be far more attractive. We have discussed the types of houses in this chapter. The fixtures, or chicken furniture, has so far been omitted. Let us go inside of our modern chicken house now, and see what is needed in the line of equipment to complete our efficient egg production. CHAPTER XI. INTERIOR FIXTURES FOR THE LAYING HOUSES There are certain devices that save a great deal of labor for the poultry man, and also give the birds a more contented atmosphere. We will start in with the floor. I want to repeat here, briefly, what has already been said in regard to the litter on the floor of the house. Birds with cold feet cannot be healthy. If the floor is covered with a six-inch litter of straw, or shavings, the floor will be warm, and they can be given a scratching ration that will make them exercise for their food. By all means do not fail to have a good litter of some kind on the floor during the late fall and winter months. The birds are rather peculiar creatures, when it comes to retiring for the night. They do not seek a place to lay down, but they look for something that will resemble a limb of a tree, where they can perch during the night. Man has therefore supplied something along this line, by erecting round poles, made of wood, so that the birds will have a convenient place to rest for the night. A few precautions must be guarded against here, however, as very few poultry men have given their birds suitable perches yet. The perches should be round, about two inches in diameter, and erected on the same level with each other. Too many perches are arranged in a ladder formation, having the rear perch the highest, and the front perch the lowest. When the birds get ready to go to roost, there is always an argument as to which bird will have the rear roost, as they all want the highest place to roost, or perch. If the perches are all on the same level, then there is no preference, and things are more peaceful at roosting time. We should plan on allowing about ten inches per bird for perching room. Plan to have a distance of about fourteen inches between each perch, or pole. Arrange these perches at the rear of the house, running parallel with the rear wall.