The importance of giving poultry green feed throughout the year cannot be over-emphasized. This sprouting tray is very convenient in order that this food be furnished the chickens. It is a simple construction, made of yellow pine, and a device that can be made by any farmer at a minimum cost. It is advisable to lay off all the material before beginning to build the rack, to avoid confusion in the measurements.

Materials:

Dimensions:

Directions:

Take 2 upright pieces (2” × 4” × 6”) and nail to bottom (1” × 2” × 2’6”). Measure a distance of two inches from the top and nail on first cleat (1” × 2” × 2’6”). Cleats are nailed on the back of the frame even with the ends of the upright pieces (2” × 4” × 6”). Nail brace (1” × 2” × 6’6”) diagonally from one corner to the other. Nail the first cleat 9 inches from the bottom edge of the upright piece. All the other cleats must be nailed 8 inches apart. In each of the sprouting trays a hole ¼ of an inch in diameter is bored to allow the water to drain out from the tray.

Dust Boxes.—Dust boxes are necessary during the winter months to keep the chickens from wallowing in the dirt, as this is the method used by them to cleanse themselves. A box four feet by four feet will be large enough to accommodate fifty chickens. Fine, light, dry dust should be kept in these boxes, and they should be placed in the sunlight and where they may be easily reached by the chickens.

Drinking Vessel.—Should be large enough to hold sufficient water to last twenty-four hours. They must be elevated in some way to keep the dirt from getting into them. A practical drinking vessel is made of a Mason glass jar. Make perforations in the top of the jar with a nail and tack two strips of wood across the top crosswise to raise the jar from the saucer or plate. This allows the water to flow freely from the jar as fast as the chickens can drink it from the saucer, and the covered jar keeps the drinking water clean.