24 MANAGEMENT OF FLOCK. 



have both the ewes and rams in a healthy and thriving condition, 

 and to get as small a percentage of barren ewes as possible. 

 Ewes must not be too fat or too lean, but of the two extremes the 

 latter is preferable. After the ewes have been served many 

 experienced breeders recommend that they should at once be 

 placed on the barest of pastures with a teaser, as by adopting 

 this course they are less likely to return to the ram. 



As to whether a ram should be allowed to run with the ewes 

 or the latter should be hand-ridden, and a teaser used, one must 

 be guided by circumstances. If the ram has been prepared for 

 show, is excessively fat or inactive, or a valuable one, a teaser 

 would undoubtedly be desirable, as the ram with this help would 

 serve many more ewes, and probably much more effectually, 

 than if allowed to do all the work in the field. In reference 

 to the teaser a good-looking one should always be used, as 

 several authentic cases can be quoted, where bad results have 

 followed the use of an ugly ram for this purpose. 



In working a teaser, instead of a bag tied so as to cover the 

 penis and extended along the belly, it is far better to tie the bag 

 in such a manner that it forms a curtain so to speak in front of 

 the penis, and effectually prevents all mischief, in a much 

 cleaner and more desirable manner. 



Some breeders recommend that when a ewe is taken from the 

 teaser to the hand-ridden ram, some short time should elapse 

 before the ewe is placed in the stocks, and there is good reason to 

 support this practice. 



A ram, as a rule, should not be used extensively the first 

 year that is, until his lambs have been seen because should he 

 prove a bad getter the flock would suffer greatly ; and secondly, 

 after seeing what his first get develop into, it is an easier matter 

 to draw ewes likely to nick well with him the next season. There 

 are exceptions to all rules, and in the case of a very superior ram 

 from a flock which one has known for years and which can be 

 thoroughly trusted, a deep dip may be made the first season with 

 an almost absolute certainty that good will result. 



