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This is a trap nest used in egg laying trials and the hen remained in the nest after ‘trapping’ until released by the poultry-keeper, who then recorded the egg laid. This example was made by the donor's grandfather in 1905 in Thatcham, Berkshire. This example was exhibited at Crystal Palace, where it won a gold medal and Plymouth, where it won a bronze medal.

1 box: wood, metal

MERL 'Catalogue index' card – ‘Trap nest // Livestock Poultry housing // Rectangular box with two entrances. Trap door entrance divided, upper half fixed with cut out semi-circle at base, lower half moves by action of spring platform inside, attached by wire to wooden catch, and has cut out semi circle on right hand side, when closed. Closed door has circular cut out, wooden catch and hinge. // wood, iron, cube, smooth, sprung lever door , rusted woodworm // Inscription- front trap door- bronze medal Plymouth 1905, Closed door- Trap nest. First prize, Gold Medal, Crystal Palace 1904 C.P. // Total- height-25cm, width-25cm, Length- 25cm. Trap door upper- height- 10-14cm, Width- 9cm, Trap door lower- height- 11cm, Width- 8-9cm // Inner platform- length- 13cm // [pencil drawing]’, MERL Recording form – ‘Name of object- Model Trap nests for poultry // Name and address of owner- Mrs T. Parsons, Parkside Road, Reading // 5.2.1970 // How was it used: These nests were used in egg laying trials and the hen remained in the nest after ‘trapping’ until released by the poultry-keeper, who then recorded the egg laid // Used widely until ‘hen battery’ made its appearance // Who made it: Mr Parsons, Sawhills, Thatcham, Berks (1858-1938), donor’s grandfather // When was it made 1905 show organised by Utility Poultry Club at Plymouth // Where was it made: Thatcham // From what materials is the object made: wood and Plywood // Additional information: One of the nests won the award of a silver medal, with accompanying framed certificate. The other one won a bronze medal. Both medals are still in existence. Mr Parsons was engineer at the Sawmills of Messrs Brown & Sons, Thatcham, and he used to keep poultry for a hobby, I think there were a number of similar shows held at Plymouth in early 1900’x and also other shows at Crystal Palace.’

Thatcham

Wood, Wood, plywood, Metal, iron