WHITEWASH FOR POULTRY HOUSES

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1681, 18 May 1904, Page 65

WHITEWASH FOR POULTRY HOUSES

All the outhouses, coops, fences and even the trunks of trees on the poultry farm can stand a through washing twice a year, and the whole premises thereby made to take on a more neat, new and attractive appearance. White makes a beautiful contrast with the green foliage of the trees and surroundings, but is considered by some too glaring and hard on the eye. This can easily be remedied by the addition of a little dry colouring as may suit one’s liking. Poultry houses and coops should always be whitewashed, and all the nest boxes and other fixtures should receive a coating. The ordinary lime and water wash has the disadvantage of easily washing off, and also sticking to and marking one’s clothes or whatever runs against it. Below are three excellent recipes for making whitewash, given by a .New Zealand writer, that will not rub off:— - 1. Slake in boiling water one half bushel of lime, keeping it just fairly covered with water during the process. Strain it to remove the sediment that will fall to the bottom, and add to it a peck of salt dissolved in warm water; <qib of ground rice boiled in water to a

thin paste: lib powdered Spanish whiting, and lib of clear glue dissolved in warm water. Mix the different ingredients thoroughly, and let the mixture stand for several days. When ready for use apply it hot. If a less quantity is desired use the same proportions. 2. A good whitewash for use on outside work ma|dbe prepared as follows, — Slake in boiling water one half-bushel of lime and strain as before. Add to this 21b of sulphate of zinc and lib of salt dissolved in water. If any colour but white is desired, add about 31b of the desired colouring matter, such as painters use in preparing their paints. Yellow oclire will make a n beautiful cream colour, and browns, reds and various shades of green are equally easily obtained. 3. Another excellent wash, lasting almost as well as ordinary paint, may be prepared for outside work as follows: — Slake in boiling water one half-bushel of lime. Strain so' as to remove all sediment. Add 21b of sulphate of zinc, lib common salt and -Jib whiting, thoroughly dissolved. Mix to proper consistency with skimmed milk, and apply hot. If white is not desired, add enough colouring matter to produce the desired shade. Those who have tried this recipe consider it much superior, both in appearance and durability to ordinary washes, and some have not hesitated to declare that it compares very favourably with good lead paints. It is much cheaper than paint, and gives the houses and yards to which it is applied a very attractive appearance.