222 



LIVESTOCK ON THE FARM 



rather than small nests. Hens like large nests and they should 

 be deep enough to prevent the eggs from being rolled out but 

 not so deep that the fowls will break eggs when getting into 

 the nest. 



Alleyways. Alleyways are objectionable for the reason 

 that they occupy much valuable floor space which might be 

 utilized for more fowls or in giving those usually kept more 

 room. It is a mistaken idea to think that they always save 

 time in opening and shutting gates because in many instances 



FIG. 55. Pen of Barred Plymouth Rock hens. 



the attendant has "to go inside the pens anyway to do the feed- 

 ing and look after the hens. Unless the feeder goes in among 

 his fowls occasionally they become nervous and timid and he 

 cannot keep in close touch with them, as is possible if he walks 

 through the pens while going his daily rounds. 



The Dusting Box. Dusting is as beneficial to the fowl as 

 bathing is to the human being. By dusting, fowls scour off 

 the scurf and scales from the skin and rid themselves of vermin. 

 A good dusting box should be provided for every flock more 

 especially when they are confined in their pens. A good place 



