254 



CARE OF SHEEP 



Feeding Racks. — Feed troughs and other receptacles 

 used for feed should be kept clean. A six-inch board placed 

 about a foot above the center of the trough will give the 

 sheep a chance to eat, but will prevent them from getting 

 their feet into the trough. 



Preparation of Feeds. — As a general rule ordinary feed 

 stuffs do not require much preparation for sheep. Such 

 grains as peas and beans are best fed ground, especially 



to young lambs and 



^^~-^ -^'i/kOi^fc^fl ^^^ sheep with poor 



teeth. For these ani- 

 mals corn should be 

 cracked. Barley may 

 be improved by soak- 

 ing, and roots should 

 be sliced or pulped be- 

 fore feeding. For 

 healthy sheep whose teeth are sound, there need be little 

 preparation of feed. To get the best results feeding must 

 be done regularly. 



Water and Salt. — It is a good plan to have clean, pure, 

 fresh water accessible to the sheep at all times. They will 

 drink more water with dry feed than when green or suc- 

 culent feeds are provided, and more will be drunk in sum- 

 mer than in winter. Salt should be kept constantly be- 

 fore them. 



Exercise. — Sheep should have plenty of exercise. In 

 cold climates it is often difficult to provide this. They 

 should be turned out in the open every fine day, but not 

 exposed to raw winter winds, snowstorms, and rains. The 

 thrifty shepherd never allows his sheep to remain out in 

 heavy rainstorms, even in the summer time; 



Fig. 91. — Trough used in feeding grain to sheep. 



