A NEST BOX FOR KEEPING INDIVIDUAL EGG 

 RECORDS. 



G. M. G0\\'ELL. 



Desiring to conduct experiments in breeding hens, we found it 

 iiecessar}^ first, to be able to determine the eggs produced by- 

 each individual. Several appliances and patented devices were 

 examined, but all seemed open to the objection, that while they 

 might indicate to an extent the producer of the egg, the lack of 

 certainty would be so great as to render them of little value for 

 our purpose. We constructed a nest that proved so satisfactory, 

 that we placed fifty-two of them in the breedinghouse, where they 

 have been in use several months. They enable us to know the 

 eggs produced by each bird with certainty. The boxes are placed 

 four in a bank, and slide in and out like drawers and can be 

 carried away for cleaning if necessary. If desired, they could be 

 put on the floor or shelf by simply having a cover to each box. 



Our breeding pens are ten by sixteen feet in size, and there 

 are twenty hens and a cockerel in each one. Four nests in each 

 pen have accommodated the birds by the attendant going through 

 the pens once an hour during that part of the day when the birds 

 were busiest. Earlier and later in the day, his visits have not 

 been so frequent. More nests in the pen would reduce the fre- 

 quency of his visits. To remove a hen, the nest is pulled part 

 way out and as it has no cover, she is readily lifted up and the 

 number on her leg band noted on the record sheet that hangs at 

 hand. After having been taken off a few times, they do not 

 ■object to being handled, the most of them remaining quiet, appar- 

 ently expecting to be picked up. 



The nest box is very simple, inexpensive, easy to attend and 

 certain in its action. It is a box-like structure, without front 

 •end or cover. It is 28 inches long, 13 inches wide and 13 inches 

 deep — inside measurements. A division board with a circular 



