372 IOWA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



Instead of grass we have hay and dry grain for the sheep. In- 

 stead of warm weather we have a changeable temperature' from freez- 

 ing to below zero weather accompanied by sleet, rain, snow and high 

 winds at times. The coat of the sheep is protection against cold, but 

 not against dampness. It is rather inviting to it than repellant. 



Shelter consists of promises between a wire fence and a good 

 bank barn. These will run all the way along the line including board 

 fences, hedge fences, timber belts, groves, open sheds, sheds that are 

 paritially enclosed and good barns of various types. There are those 

 who claim greater health for their sheep when they are exposed to 

 all kinds of weather. We never took kindly to that plan, and yet it 

 is not without its benefits. 



A sheep exposed to all kinds of weather will take more exercise,, 

 which is a very good thing up to a certain degree. Enforced exer- 

 cise beyond what is healthful will be damaging. It requires plenty of 

 fed to keep up the combustion that must take place in the bodies of 

 sheep to keep them warm. Protection from storms means a saving in 

 feed. 



We have found it necessary to keep sheep dry in winter and they 

 will keep warm. Except for winter lambs it is not necessary to keep 

 barns and stables warm for sheep. We prefer to have a barn two 

 sides of which are composed largely of doors. We prefer rolling 

 doors. When bad storms come these doors can be closed and in fine 

 weather they can be left open. As a rule a storm that a sheep will 

 not take refuge from, if well fed, will not be detrimental to its wel- 

 face. On bright, cold, winter nights we have seen the entire flock 

 lying contentedly outside of a good barn, preferring the open air to 

 the close air of the barn. Perhaps the next night every sheep will be 

 found inside. 



It is well to have good shelter on hand that can be regulated ac- 

 cording to the demands of the weather. It is far better to have it 

 and not have use for it than to let sheep suffer and by such suffering 

 lose tUeir owner money. Next to shelter should be provided plenty 

 of good feed. By good feed we mean anything at hand that will keep 

 the flock in good condition and in good health. 



THE ART OF FEEDING, 



Homestead. 



We have been asked by a beginner in the sheep businss to give 

 in detail the art of feeding sheep and lambs. 



This is an art that is only acquired by experience. We have been 

 giving results of experience for many years and have been pointing 

 out some of the best plans. 



Amateur feeding operations are frequently attended with unsatis- 

 factory results, but persistency will bring its reward. 



