150 PRACTICAL POULTRY PRODUCTION 



tages of trapnesting the layers are as follows: — (1) To 

 tame the birds, thereby tending toward increased egg pro- 

 duction. (2) To furnish definite knowledge concerning 

 the traits and habits of individuals. (3) To furnish the 

 only satisfactory basis for systematic breeding. (4) To 

 eliminate the non-productive hens. 



Dust boxes. Fowls clean themselves of insects by wal- 

 lowing in the soil. In addition to this method of keeping 

 themselves clean from insects other measures should be 

 employed to keep down these pests by cleaning the houses 

 thoroughly at intervals and spraying as described in Chapter 



X. Provision should be made 

 for a dust box in houses hav- 

 ing concrete or board floors, 

 especially in continuous houses 

 and where the birds are yarded. 

 A box 4x4 feet square and one 

 foot high built in the corner of 

 Figure 151.— A simple nest built out the house wiU be found large 



of an orange crate. gUOUgh for a flock of frOm 50 



to 75 hens. Fine, light, dry dust or sandy loam is excel- 

 lent material for this purpose. When possible, wood ashes 

 should be mixed with the soil. 



Broody coops. A broody coop should be provided and 

 used to break up broody hens. Such a coop can be con- 

 structed on the inside of the house, as shown in Figure 147. 

 In the spring and summer months it is advisable to place 

 the broody coop outside, as shown in Figure 152. When 

 out in the open there is more to attract the hen's attention 

 and it is cooler than when placed inside of the house. 

 These conditions tend to break up broodiness. 



Drinking fountains. As will be brought out in the 

 chapter on feeding, the importance of providing plenty of 

 fresh, clean water for the fowls can not be oveiestimated. 



