National Agricultural Library

A Simple Trap Nest for Poultry

U.S. Department of Agriculture

A trap nest is a laying nest so arranged that after a hen enters it she is confined until released by the attendant. The trap nest shown in the accompanying illustrations is used with good results on the Government poultry farm and is quite similar to the nest used at the Connecticut State experiment station. It is very simple and may be built at a small cost.

The use of trap nests is essential in breeding poultry for both egg production and exhibition, where pedigree records are used in selecting either the males or females, and has a place in mass selection for increasing the egg production. Trap nests are of value in weeding out poor layers and increasing the average egg yield of a flock by selecting and breeding, but are not extensively used on account of the large amount of labor required to operate them. Some poultry breeders trap-nest their pullets during their first six months of laying and use this as a basis in selecting their breeders for egg production.

Farmers' Bulletin

Number 682