Jasper County Democrat, Volume 15, Number 25, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 29 June 1912 — POULTRY [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

POULTRY

MAKING IMPROVED NEST-BOX Weight of Hen Causes Platform to Tilt, Thereby Closing DoorSize Bhould Vary. The size of the nest should vary ascording to the breed, writes Fred L. Bailey in the Farm and Fireside. For the Asiatic breeds it should be not less than 3% feet long, 15 Inches wide and 20 inches deep.. 1 The hen enters the nest by walking in on the platform. Her weight causes the platform to tilt, which, by means of the lever attached, closes the door. When the

I . ; hen leaves the nest, she goes for the light which comes in at the slat door. Her .weight on the front end of the platform causes the door to open, and it stays open until she finds food and water and is ready to go back on the nest. The box is best with no floor, so the nest can be made directly on the ground. Explanation: A, platform, 1% feet long by which hen enters nest. B, board across back end of platform, on which she puts full weight when entering nest, causing platform to tilt. C, lever attached to platform and door, showing door open. D, point where lever Is attached to door, E, point

where lever is attached to platform. F, board attached to under side of front end of platform, causing platform to stop on a level when door opens, and helping to balance platform. G, cleats with notches in upper ends for axles of platform to rest in. Notches are 8 inches from the bottom of the box. H, partition board between nest and platform. I, nest. J, cover.

Improved Nest-Box.