174 COMMERCIAL POULTRY RAISING 



operated like drawers. To remove a hen, the nest is pulled part 

 way out, and as it has no cover, the bird is easily caught. Usually, 

 after having been taken off the nests a few times, hens become 

 accustomed to this handling and remain perfectly quiet, appar- 

 ently expecting to be picked up. 



For the sake of greater durability, it is advisable to build all 

 parts connected with the treadle and door of fairly good material, 

 especially the bevelled cleat on which the door bears and the 

 side frames of the door, which should be of beech or other hard 

 wood that will become polished with wear. One-quarter inch 

 mesh galvanized wire netting, commonly used on cellar window 

 screens, is securely stapled to the inside of the door frame, thus 

 admitting light and air to the nest. The hinges used in fastening 

 the door to the treadle, and the treadle to the middle partition, 

 should have brass pins, otherwise they are likely to rust and work 

 stiffly. It may also be necessary to file the pins slightly, to in- 

 sure the hinges working with perfect freedom. 



Diagrams shown in Figs. 120 and 121 illustrate other types 

 of nests. An examination of them will suffice to explain their 

 principles of operation. They were developed at the California 

 Experiment Station. 



