276 PRODUCTIVE FARMING 



Care of Sheep. — Sheep naturally live in mountainous 

 and hilly regions, where they get their living by feeding 

 on grasses and native plants of all kinds. There is now 

 greater profit from the raising of sheep in those sections 

 where the country is too rough for the raising of cultivated 

 crops. Sheep make good use of the land that would other- 

 wise be wasted. This is true to a greater degree with sheep 

 and Angora goats than with any other domestic animals. 

 Sheep are naturally kept in flocks, the Merinos in very large 

 flocks and the mutton breeds in smaller numbers. The 

 handling of very large numbers of any breed in a single 

 flock requires considerable experience. It is better to begin 

 with small flocks. 



Winter quarters for sheep should not be very warm. 

 The animals have their own coats and will suffer if housed 

 too closely. It is highly important that they be kept per- 

 fectly dry in every respect. Protected shelter from rain 

 and snow to keep the coats dry, and good drainage in the 

 sheds and lots to keep the feet dry, are essential to success. 



During the winter the flocks should be divided so that 

 all will have equal opportunity at the feed trough and racks. 

 Not over twenty-five or fifty in a single flock should be the 

 rule. When the numbers are large they may be sorted into 

 such groups as: first, wether lambs; second, ewe lambs; 

 third, shearling ewes; and fourth, breeding ewes. 



The winter feed for sheep should include plenty of rough- 

 age, such as clover hay, cut corn fodder, and oat straw. They 

 are very fond of root crops, and plenty of sugar beets, 

 mangles, or turnips should be provided. 



Great care and constant attention are required by the 

 shepherd when lambing time comes. New-born lambs must 

 not become chilled. Some ewes fail to own their lambs 

 and must be held for the young to draw the milk. These 

 and many other points require the immediate attention of 

 a good shepherd. 



