FEEDING AND CARE OF SHEEP 325, 



are confined sufficiently warm in the northern states, except for win- 

 ter lambs. Ample ventilation is of great importance, but drafts 

 must be avoided. On the western plains, it is even more necessary to 

 protect sheep from cold winds than from rain. Sunshine, good drain- 

 age, and conveniences for feeding are the other requisites of a good 

 sheep barn. 



In late spring and early summer the flock should be sheltered from 

 cold rains, if possible, for exposure is dangerous, especially to young 

 lambs. In summer, if there is no natural shade in the pastures, the 

 flock should have access to a darkened but well-ventilated shed. A 

 fringed curtain thru which the sheep may pass will keep back flies 

 from this retreat. In winter an open shed is the only shelter needed 

 even in the northern states for fattening lambs and sheep, heavy- 

 coated and filled with rich grain and roughage. A dry, littered yard, 

 having a sunny exposure and provided with a well-bedded, com- 

 fortable shed opening to the east or south, extending along the wind- 

 ward side, is ideal for fattening. In the arid regions, protection from 

 driving winds and sandstorms is all that is essential. Even in the 

 South the sheep should be protected from winter rains. 



For the breeding flock abundant exercise thruout the year is essen- 

 tial. Fattening animals, however, make better gains if allowed only 

 moderate exercise. 



Water; salt. — Opinions as to the water requirements of sheep vary 

 more than with any other domestic animal. In countries with heavy 

 dews and ample succulent feed in summer, and where roots are 

 largely used in winter, water may possibly be denied sheep, but or- 

 dinarily it is a necessity. Because of the danger of infestation with 

 internal parasites, drinking from stagnant pools must be avoided. 

 On the arid ranges of the Southwest, when grazing on certain succu- 

 lent plants like singed cacti, sheep sometimes go two months without 

 water. The wise shepherd will under all usual conditions supply his 

 sheep with water daily, providing from 1 to 6 quarts, according to 

 feed and weather. Ewes suckling lambs, and fattening sheep require 

 more water than those being simply carried thru the winter. 



Sheep especially require salt, which should be available at all times, 

 for an irregular supply induces scouring. In winter it may be given 

 in a trough used only for this purpose. In summer salt may be ren- 

 dered doubly useful by scattering it on sprouts growing about stumps, 

 on brush patches, or over noxious weeds. 



Grinding grain; cutting or grinding hay. — Of all farm animals, 

 the sheep is best able to do its own grinding, and with few exceptions 

 only whole grain should be furnished. The common saying of feed- 

 ers, ' ' a sheep which cannot grind its own grain is not worth feeding, ' ' 



