154 PROFITABLE STOCK RAISING 



of their time as possible in the open, and under 

 ordinary conditions it is not necessary to house 

 them in tightly closed barns if a comfortable shed 

 opening into a roomy barnyard be provided, es- 

 pecially if the barnyard be well bedded or provided 

 with a good-sized straw stack. The animals will 

 spend most of their time, even in the coldest w r inter 

 weather, out of doors, seeking the shelter of the 

 shed only during snowstorms or wet weather. 

 Their heavy winter coat protects them from the 

 air, and the thick bed of straw will prevent any ill 

 effects from the cold ground. Under these con- 

 ditions, the sheep will be healthier and more vigor- 

 ous, 'and will come through the winter in better 

 condition than if they are constantly kept in a 

 warm, closed barn. The water supply, it is need- 

 less to say, should be ample at all times, but ex- 

 tremely cold water is not the best, especially for 

 pregnant ewes. Water fresh from the well or cis- 

 tern, or from which the chill has been removed by 

 means of a tank heater, is much to be preferred to 

 ice cold water. 



The winter feeding and managing of rams does 

 not differ very materially from the keeping of 

 breeding ewes, except that it is not advisable to feed 

 a heavy ration of succulent feed. A small amount 

 of this can be given with good results, but it is 

 better to feed a larger proportion of dry feed. 

 Plenty of exercise is essential in order to keep the 

 animals in robust physical condition, and this de- 

 tail should not be overlooked. 



LAMBING A CRITICAL TIME 



Lambing time is the most critical and important 

 period in the life of the flock. At this time, un- 

 favorable conditions or a little neglect on the part 



