24 



=^^ 



kept in place when the hens are on the nest by a button placed on the 

 lower edge of the top board immediately above it, as previously described. 



3 Roof boards 10 x 32 in. 



2 Cleats 3 x 22 in. nailed to under side of roof boards. 



These cleats should be nailed so as to give the roof a 6-inch rear over- 

 hang, affording very necessary shelter for birds caught outside the coop in 

 heavy rains. The roof affords excellent ventilation if placed so that the 

 front cleat rests on the edge of the top board at the front of the coop and 

 it should always be so placed. 



FRAMES TO ENCLOSE NEST.— The above completes the coop 

 proper. As this coop is used both for incubating and rearing, it would be 

 too large for the former purpose but for the utilization of a clever device 

 for confining the nest to proper proportions. This is done by the con- 

 struction of a simple board frame (see Figure 5-B) 16 inches square, which 

 is placed in the corner of the coop farthest removed from the movable 

 slat mentioned above. This is done so that the setting hen, in returning 

 to her nest, will not be afforded the opportunity of stepping upon it as she 

 enters the coop. Broken eggs are reduced to a minimum by this device. 

 The construction of the nesting frame calls for 4 pieces of Jg-inch board, 

 3 inches wide and 16 inches long. A second frame of the same dimensions 

 is placed upon the first when pipping commences to prevent the chicks 

 first hatched from escaping from the nest and perishing of cold. This is 

 shown also in Figure 5-B, resting against the side of the coop. 



A nail should be driven two-thirds of its length in the front edge of 

 one of the boards constituting the side of the coop, 6 inches from the 

 ground, and on this should be hung a tin cup, which should be kept sup- 

 plied with fresh w\ater. ]\Iake the hole in the side of the cup large enough 

 to slip easily on and off the nail. This method of supplying water keeps 



Figure 5-A.— Front view of incubating 

 coops shown in Figure 5. Note door 

 resting against coop and hole at center 

 near top for blowing in powder with bel- 

 lows when treating yoinig birds for gapes. 



Figure 5-B. — Interior of incubating coop 

 (Fig. 5) rear view back and top removed. 

 Note nest frame and extra frame to pre- 

 vent early liat died chick's escape, also slat 

 pulled aside to allow hcu to feed. 



