CHAPTER 11. 



First experiences. Controlling broodiness with the Ideal. Number of nests 

 required: Location of the nests in the poultry house. The best location. Eggs 

 laid outside the nests; causes and how to prevent. 



FIRST EXPERIENCES. 



When beginning the use of the Meal they may sometimes be found- 

 locked and no hen within. This feature is not due to any imperfection 

 in the trap device, but is the result of the investigation of the new nests 

 by the hens. Tf the trap did not spring until after the hen had entered 

 the box it would only result in more hens being found in the nests, 

 not necessarily more eggs. The trap, springing as it does, simply pre- 

 vents the curious hens from entering the box. In a short time the 

 flock will become familiar with the nests and the laying hens will en- 

 ter them without hesitation. 



There is another point to be noted in this connection. It should 

 be well known that a ben cannot see in the dark. If the nest box is 

 built so closely that all of the light enters from the hen-opening the 

 nest may become invisible when the entrance is filled by the bird's 

 body as she attempts to enter the box. This may result in her backing 

 out and the trap locking. In other words the bird is afraid of her own 

 shadow. Especially is this likely to cause trouble when the nests are 

 placed front to the wall, or in a semi-dark or secluded location. By 

 this we see that the boxes should not be too dark. All theories that 

 are opposed to this are untenable. However much exposed the location 

 of our Ideal nest boxes may be, the nest itself will afford sufficient 

 seclusion. 



Non-laying hens and male birds will sometimes spring the traps but 

 it would be more trouble to release them had they entered than it is to 

 reset the traps. If desired, the trap-plate may be set so as to present a 

 larger opening by raising it jusl enough for the arm to rest in the notch in 

 the pawl. When the hinged front is employed the trap may be set with- 

 out opening the door by making the opening marked S in tig. c. This 

 opening should not be over o 1-2 inches long and one inch wide ; this will 

 involve a little extra labor when preparing the box and is by no means 

 necessary. 



When the Ideal is to be used on a shelf or under the dropping*, plat- 

 form, it should have either the hinged trout or the door in the back for 

 removing the ben and egg. When used facing the wall a passage-way 

 should be left in front of (he nests to give the hens access to them. 



