254 



Journal of Agriculture. 



[8 April, 1908. 



POULTRY NOTES. 



H. V . Haivklns, Poultry Expert. 



Trap Xests. 



The accompanying illustration is that of a trap nest made by the 

 writer. It not only records the layer, \mt at the same time places the 

 egg in a safe spot out of the hen's reach. I have come across trap nests 

 which are not as satisfactory as intended inasmuch that the eggs remain 

 in the nest. T'he hen, although locked up for only a few minutes, is 

 likely to plav with the egg and break it. She soon develops a liking 

 for her own produce and becomes an halritual egg-eater. The nest under 

 review has a hinged bottom which, on the fo\vl entering, closes quietly, 

 the front flap securely penning her. A small piece of glass in front of 

 the nest enables the owner to see whether anv es^gs have been laid. 



A SERVICEABLE TRAP NEST. 



To those who are desirous of building up g(X)d laying strains, the 

 trap nest is invaluable. By its use the poultry farmer is able to judge 

 which of the hens are profitable and to cull out the drones. A good 

 plan is to place a small ring, numbered, on the shank of each bird in 

 the pen and then the farmer, when he releases the bird, knows exactly 

 which one should be credited with the egg. So that reliable figures may 

 be obtained it is necessary that records of any particular pen should be 

 kept for a considerable period. 



It must te clearly understood that these recording nests are quite 

 useless where fowls have unrestricted freedom on the farm, as there are 

 so many nooks and corners for them to hide in. Poultry thus kept nevei 

 did, and never will, pay, for the simple reason that they do more damage 

 to machinery, stables, and stacks, than the few eggs, at times gathered 

 fresh, are worth. 



In some districts, serious losses of eggs are sustained through the 

 ravages of crows and snakes. By the adoption of the trap nest system 

 such losses are impossible. 



