SHEEP RAISING IN WISCONSIN 11 



To guard against the infection of parasites in sheep, 

 nothing is better than a frequent change of pasture. On old 

 level meadow pastures the danger from parasites is much 

 greater than when the sheep graze on hilly land. On farms 

 where a rotation plan is followed, and the sheep change to a 

 fresh field every year the trouble with parasites is greatly 

 lessened. 



Sheep should not be allowed to drink water from old 

 stagnant pools but should at all times be supplied with pure, 

 fresh water. In many parts of upper Wisconsin there are 

 plenty of springs which furnish the water needed. Many of 

 these springs do not freeze over during the winter. Many 

 lambs and sheep become infested with intestinal parasites 

 through the drinking of stagnant water. 



A supply of salt should be in reach of the flock at all times. 

 Many details like this are overlooked and in a large measure 

 account for the failures in sheep husbandry. The successful 

 shepherd never becomes too tired to watch for the little 

 things, and in the end, is well paid for his efforts. 



CARING FOR THE FLOCK DURING THE WINTER 



Upon the winter care of the flock to a large extent depends 

 the size of the profit. During the summer the flock is on 

 pasture and partly takes care of itself. In the winter, the 

 flockmaster must, to be successful, use good judgment in 

 feeding and managing his flock. The failure of many men in 

 the sheep business can be traced to the mismanagement of 

 the flock during the winter. Too many farmers feed too 

 little and a few feed their sheep too much. Either is a detri- 

 ment to the coming lamb crop. Too heavy feeding is not as 

 disastrous as feeding too little. 



The sheep is covered with wool and allowance must be 

 made for the fact that the condition is not easily noted. The 

 ribs of the sheep cannot be seen like the bones of a cow or 

 horse. Sheep which are under fed cannot resist the slightest 

 attack of a cold or other ailment which they may contract. 



It is essential that the flock go into their winter quarters 

 in a good thrifty condition. "A sheep well summered is half 

 wintered", is an old saying which still holds true. If the 

 sheep are in good shape, and have been fed good clover or 



