TYPES OP' NESTS 



147 



(2) Nests should be so constructed that it is easy for the atten- 

 dant to see and remove any eggs in them, 



(3) They should be constructed large enough for the birds to sit on 

 the nest; 12 x 14 inches may be required for the large breeds and 8x 

 12 inches or 10 x 12 inches for the light breeds. If nests are too large, 

 eggs are broken by two or more hens crowding into them at once. 



(4) Nests should be movable, so that they can be easily taken 

 out and thoroughly cleaned. The nesting material is the first 

 place in the house where mites and lice are usually found, and if 

 they can be controlled there, freedom from such enemies is more 

 easily maintained. 



FIG. 95. Four ways of locating nests, end boards are removed to show construction. 

 Eggs are taken out from the covered nests by raising the door, d. 



Number of Nests. There should be nests enough so that the 

 hens will not be compelled to crowd. Number is determined by 

 the size of the flock in the spring or during the heavy laying season. 

 A safe number is one nest to every three or four layers. 



Materials Used. Wood smoothly planed is usually used in the 

 construction of the nests. They should be securely built. Boards 

 seven-eighths' inch thick and ten or twelve inches wide, with 

 square edges, can be made into very good nests. Soap-boxes, 

 nail-kegs, lemon-crates, and egg-cases are often made over into 

 good poultry nests, but they are less sanitary than well-made nests. 



Types of Nests. There are a great number of types and designs 

 in nest construction, each having advantages and disadvantages. 

 Figure 95 shows some of these types. 



