FEEDING AND CARE OF BREEDING EWES 145 



yards; (3) special feeding for ewes whose teeth are fail- 

 ing ; (4) protection from cold storms spring and autumn ; 

 (5) tagging and trimming when necessary; (6) paring 

 the feet; (7) dipping for ticks; (8) the shed space called 

 for; and (9) the injury from close housing. 



The methods of providing ventilation are discussed 

 later (see page 339). It is the necessity for ventilation 

 that is now emphasized. When sheep are kept in open 

 sheds, this danger will not exist. It occurs only in cold 

 climates and where the doors are kept closed at night. 

 When thus confined in a shed with a low loft, the air 

 becomes very impure. They are forced more or less to 

 breathe air that has been previously inhaled and that is 

 strongly impregnated with ammonia from the droppings. 



The sheds and yards as well should have enough of 

 bedding to keep them dry as far as this may be practi- 

 cable. It may not be possible to keep the yards in such a 

 condition during every day of the winter, but it is impera- 

 tive that the sheds shall be kept thus. When the sheep 

 are given straw as a part of the ration, the uneaten por- 

 tion may be used as bedding, and enough may be obtained 

 in some instances from this source. The aim should be 

 to supply bedding in small quantities and frequently 

 rather than in large quantities and seldom, as the bed is 

 kept more fresh and free from odors when supplied by 

 the first method. Damp beds are specially harmful to 

 young lambs, and the same is true of beds that are foul. 

 The proper bedding of the yards is not an easy proposi- 

 tion where the rainfall is abundant in winter, because of 

 the amount of the litter called for. Under such condi- 

 tions the yards should be restricted to the smallest dimen- 

 sions compatible with the needs of the flock. Land plas- 

 ter, dry earth and even sifted coal ashes may be used with 

 profit in dusting the manure occasionally. 



It may be desired in some instances to carry breed- 

 ing ewes through the winter to furnish lambs after they 

 have lost or partially lost their teeth. This may be a legit- 



