ADVANTAGES OF TRAP NESTS 



149 



A. 



They are used on many of the large poultry plants where special 

 breeding pens are kept, and then only during the winter and early 

 spring months. Breeders of fancy poultry find much benefit from 

 their use, as they are able 

 to study the qualities trans- 

 mitted by each individual. It 

 is possible to make matings 

 with a greater degree of cer- 

 tainty as to the results which 

 will be obtained. Increased 

 profits come largely through 

 the keeping of better birds; 

 this means the selection and 

 breeding from the best. It is 

 not practicable to use trap nests 

 for the average laying flock. 



If trap nests are used, they 

 must be attended to regularly 

 and the birds let out at fre- 

 quent intervals. A complete 

 round should be made at least 

 every hour, starting at nine 

 o'clock in the morning, until 

 the laying is over for the day. 

 If this is not done, the vital- 

 ity and usefulness of the 

 birds confined is greatly im- 

 paired, and their produc- 

 tion is sure to decrease. 

 Much labor is thus re- 

 quired, but trained persons 

 are not necessary. 



Designs of Trap Nests. 

 There are a great many 

 types of nests made, only 

 a few of which work well. 

 In practically all types the 

 nests are so constructed that when the hen enters she releases a 

 spring or trigger which allows the door to close behind her, and 

 she cannot leave the nest nor can another hen enter until the 

 attendant has removed her and reset the trap. 



B. 



FIG. 98. Pearl or Maine State trap nest, 

 side removed. A, open ; B, sprung or shut. The 

 weight of the hen on the hinged bottom keeps 

 the door closed. (Photo by Raymond Pearl.) 



FIG. 99. Improved Connecticut trap nest. 

 Centre nest open; the hen on entering raises the 

 door and allows the trigger to fall; this locks the 

 door shut until the attendant comes. (Tops re- 

 moved for photographing.) 



