520 POULTRY CULTURE 



trigger, and this same pencil is then used to mark the date and 

 leg-band number on the small end of the egg. The record 

 sheet is shown in Fig. 216. 



Nests require an abundance of ventilation in hot weather. 

 The bottom of the trap nests may be covered with J^ or 3^ inch 

 square mesh wire gauze. 



In taking the hen from the nest stand directly in front of the 

 nest, and allow the hen to come out directly in both hands in 

 such a way that you grasp the wings and body, and by gently 

 talking to them they soon become accustomed to trap-nest 

 methods and do not appear frightened. Laying hens must be 

 carefully handled, as their physiologic equilibrium is easily 

 upset and egg production interfered with. Qne person should 

 visit the trap-nests alone, and he should be a person that likes 

 the work and takes an interest in it, and is, above all, kind and 

 gentle with the hens. 



The trap-nests should be visited at about 7 a. m. when the 

 scratch feed is given; again at 9 a. m., when water is given; 

 again at 10 a. m. when succulent feed is given, and again at 

 12 M. and at 1 p. m., 2 p. m., and at 3 p. m., when the evening 

 scratch feed is given. The bulk of the laying is done between 

 the hours of 11 a. m. and 3 p. m. 



LIST OF MATERIAL FOR NESTS 



1 board 1" X 14" X 8' (for partitions). 



1 board 1" X 8" X 7' (for door). 



3 boards 1" X 4" X 7' (for bottom, front and back and run-board 

 or step). 



2 boards 1" X 2" X 7' (to nail netting to). 

 2 pair strap hinges 8" long. 



The nests are constructed with the inside compartments 14 

 inches square. Nests for the Mediterranean breeds such as the 

 Leghorns may be 12 inches square; for the American breeds, as 

 the Plymouth Rocks, 14 inches square ; and for the Asiatics, as 

 the Brahmas, the nest should be 16 inches square. 



The top and bottom is provided with a strip 2 inches wide 

 extending around the outer border to which }^ inch mesh 

 wire netting is stapled in the front. The opening is covered 



