FOURTEENTH ANNUAL YEAR BOOK— PART X. 693 



The question of handling the breeding flock during the winter is one 

 which does not assume much importance until about New Year's. Before 

 that time there is usually not enough snow to interfere seriously with 

 the daily ranging of the flock. When heavy snows fall and winter 

 deepens, and the time for lambing coming nearer every day, the shepherd: 

 must needs give his flock of ewes closer attention. Care given the flock 

 in the winter time will manifest itself when the lambs are sold the 

 following fall. 



The four things necessary to bring the flock through the winter are 

 exercise, shelter, feed and water. Exercise, though not often emphasized, 

 is important. It keeps the ewe in good, healthy condition, and prevents 

 sluggishness and constipation. Strong lambs are born to ewes which 

 have been compelled to rustle more or less through the winter. As long 

 as the winter remains open, there is little danger of securing insufficient 

 exercise. When the snows fall and the flock is shut in tne lot or the 

 barnyard, trouble is apt to ensue. If the ewes fail to obtain exercise in 

 any other way they may be driven around a little each day. In any 

 event, the run of the fields should be open to them at all times. 



The question of shelter with sheep is not so difficult as with other 

 animals. It has been said that, if given a shed sufficient to keep out the 

 snow and cold winds, the flock will need nothing better. This is not 

 far from the truth. Many successful sheepmen, even as far north as 

 Wisconsin, keep their flocks in three-sided sheds open to the south or 

 southeast. Sometimes, however, we have cold southeast winds in the 

 winter, and open sheds are of little value under such conditions. The 

 main things to be kept in mind are warmth, cleanliness, ventilation and 

 dryness. An ordinary shed well protected from the cold winds will 

 suffice. By banking" the north and east sides, especially, it may be ren- 

 dered fairly wind-proof. At the same time ventilation must not be for- 

 gotten. This is usually accomplished by a large door on the south end 

 of the building kept open except in extremely cold or windy weather. 

 This will provide for the escape of most of the odors common to the 

 sheep barn. A door in the opposite end of the building opened for a 

 time during the day will aid greatly in ventilation. 



Dryness is an essential which must not be overlooked. Sheep cannot 

 do well in a damp place, especially in winter. If dryness can be 

 brought about in no other way, it may be accomplished by using plenty 

 of bedding. Shredded corn fodder is preferable to straw as it does not 

 stick to the wool. Straw with beards should not be used under any 

 circumstances as the market discriminates severely against strawy w^ool. 

 Usually, if kept dry and warm, the shed will be clean. By bedding down 

 the shed at intervals of a few days, the sheep are kept out of the manure. 

 At the same time ^he manure is in good shape for handling. The item 

 of cleanliness is of most importance at lambing, time. 



The breeding ewe must be fed for the development of bone and muscle, 

 hence feeds fairly rich in protein are essential. Of these, clover and al- 

 falfa stand out pre-eminent. Sheep like them and do well on them, and 

 they are considered the best of all sheep feeds. Sheaf oats are fed 

 quite extensively in some sections, and many sheepmen would not winter 



