﻿18 BULLETIN 20, U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE. 



a fleece once becomes wet it takes a long time for it to dry out, espe- 

 cially in cold weather. Much energy that would otherwise be used 

 for growth or fattening must be used for evaporating this water. 

 The wet fleece also gives rise to unhealthy conditions. In Great 

 Britain little housing is necessary, but in most places in America this 

 would result in undue losses. 



Now that it is generally agreed that a certain amount of housing 

 is necessary, the question arises as to what kind it shall be. This 

 depends somewhat upon the locality and the product of the flock. 

 If winter or early spring lambs are to be produced, the shelter must 

 naturally be warmer and more pretentious than where late lambs 

 are the rule. The breed may also affect the kind of shelter required, 

 some breeds being more hardy than others. 



The following conditions should be fulfilled as nearly as possible 

 in a shelter for the flock. It should be located upon a rise of ground 

 sloping away on all sides, or at least to the south and east. It should 

 be protected from and should face the side least exposed to the winter 

 winds. The floors should be dry; there should be plenty of ventila- 

 tion, but also freedom from drafts. An abundance of light is desir- 

 able, as is convenience of arrangement, making necessary the least 

 possible amount of work. There should be adjustable divisions 

 forming pens for the different classes of sheep, and it is desirable to 

 have a door leading to the outside from every one of these. The 

 doors should be wide enough so that there will be no danger from 

 crowding, which may result in broken-down hips and abortion. If 

 the doors are closed at all, it should be only in very severe weather. 

 Corners on posts and beams where the sheep come into contact with 

 them should be rounded, so that the sheep will not rub their fleeces 

 against them. From 10 to 18 square feet of floor space should be 

 allowed for each breeding ewe and about 18 inches should be allowed 

 at the feed troughs and hay rack. The quarters should not be kept 

 too warm, or the sheep will be subject to colds and catarrhal condi- 

 tions. The nearer these ideal conditions are fulfilled the greater will 

 be the amount of feed that can be profitably used in the production 

 of mutton and wool. 



SHEDS AND BARNS. 



Either sheds or -barns are desirable under certain conditions. 

 Sheds are less expensive, and where the flock is not too large they 

 serve very well. Some of the best results have been obtained through 

 their use. There is more work connected with caring for the sheep, 

 as their feed will have to be brought from outside the shed, but this 

 may be offset by the lower cost of construction. " Lean-to" sheds 

 are commonly used upon the farm for sheltering the flock, and can 

 be arranged very satisfactorily. 



