CARE AND MANAGEMENT 



885 



refuse to own the lamb, she may be placed in a hurdle, with her 

 head confined so that she cannot butt the lamb. 



The castration and docking of lambs may be performed within a 

 week after they are dropped, the lamb at this age suffering little, and 

 the wounds healing quickly. 



Extra Feeding of Lambs. 



To provide the means whereby the lambs may procure the ex- 

 tra food needed for their rapid development, we know of no contriv- 

 ance better than the one which is shown in Fig. 1182. It consists 



Fig. 1182.— Lamb-creep. 



of a small double gate, or two half gates set at such a distance apart 

 ihat the lamb can easily force itself through them. An upright 

 roller on each side of the opening assists the lamb in getting through 

 the space, and prevents, it from rubbing or tearing its wool. The, 

 gates are pivoted at the top and bottom, so as to open a little either 

 way, a wooden spring being fixed so as to keep them closed after the 

 lamb has passed in or out. 



Toward the weaning-time, lambs should be given some addi- 

 tional concentrated and nutritious food. Weaning should not be 

 abruptly but gradually done, for the sake of both lamb and ewe. 



