Winter Management of the Flock 177 



do well together varies with the breeds, but they will 

 thrive better in lots of forty or fifty than in larger 

 numbers. Ewes carrying lambs for the first time 

 need extra feed and attention and can make up a 

 separate lot to good advantage. 



The breeding ewes in early winter. — The aim in 

 wintering breeding ewes is to bring them to lambing 

 time in good vigorous condition and in medium flesh. 

 The health and vigor desired cannot follow a close 

 in-door winter life. The feeding required will de- 

 pend upon the season and the condition of the ewes 

 at the time the pastures are abandoned. It some- 

 times happens that ewes that run out until late in 

 a wet fall when the grass is heavy but soft come into 

 quarters quite thin. The only safe guide as to 

 condition is the feel of the backs when handled. 

 By going among a lot of ewes in the pen or barn 

 and noting the covering of the vertebrae, especially 

 of the loin, one can quickly tell just how they are 

 doing and which ones are falling behind and need 

 to be separated out for extra feeding. It was ad- 

 vised that ewes carrying their first lambs be made a 

 separate lot when possible and given extra feed. If 

 this is done, those that are behind the others in the 

 older flock can be put with the young ewes. When 

 the fall grass is soft and washy, it is good economy 

 to start with some dry feed before the ewes are taken 

 from the pasture. Hay may be used at this time, 

 though a feed of about one-half pound of grain for 



