i6o 



POULTRY CULTURE 



do as well if their roosting space is open and provided with cur- 

 tains for emergency use. 



Nests. Boxes and other receptacles which serve the purpose 

 are used to keep eggs safe and clean. The birds often prefer to 

 lay in a corner on the floor, and some will persist in doing this 

 though as attractive a nest as the keeper can design is placed 

 where they had made their nest. Ducks are most indifferent about 

 the matter of nests, dropping their eggs anywhere. Most hens go 

 readily to the nests provided for them, and though they may have 

 a choice among several nests, will take the next nest if the chosen 

 nest is occupied and they cannot dislodge the occupant. In the 



other kinds of poultry the gen- 

 eral habit is for each female to 

 make or choose her own nest 

 and keep others from it. These 

 birds, as a rule, seek out secluded 

 spots in which to lay, and often 

 go to a distance from the home- 

 stead. Even when at liberty, 

 hens usually lay in the house 

 that they roost in, if suitable pro- 

 vision is made for them, or if 

 they can find a place there that 

 suits them. 

 Dealing with each kind according to habit, the poultry keeper can 

 consider his own convenience and requirements in making and 

 placing nests for hens and, in less degree, for ducks, while with 

 other birds he succeeds best if he gives the nests such protection as 

 he can where the birds make them, or places boxes, barrels, or 

 coops singly where they may attract a bird about to lay. The nests 

 for ducks are usually made on the floor in the corners or at the 

 sides of the pen by inclosing a space, or spaces, of suitable size, 

 with a low strip in front and higher divisions between the nests. 



Nest boxes for fowls are made in great variety. The minimum 

 requirement for a single nest is a frame about 1 2 inches square and 

 from 12 to 14 inches high, open on one side, except for a strip 

 about 4 inches wide at the bottom, with or without top and bottom. 

 If the nest is to be placed on the ground, it does not need a bottom 



Fig. 250. Skeleton triple nest box 



