CHAPTER IX 



SPRING MANAGEMENT OF THE FLOCK 



It is advisable to divide the ewes into lots accord- 

 ing to tlie time they are due to lamb. This will 

 assist the shepherd in keeping informed as to the 

 time of lambing, and also benefit the ewes. By 

 putting the ewes that are in the same degree of 

 pregnancy together, they are not so liable to be in- 

 jiu"ed, and through divisions into small groups, there 

 is likely to be less crowding at the feed boxes. This 

 is a very critical period in the management of the 

 flock, and every attention should be given to the care 

 and comfort of the ewes. The most frequent causes 

 of ewes casting their lambs originate from crowding 

 about the feed boxes, pushing through narrow gate 

 ways, jumping over gutters or deep ruts, and rough 

 handling, especially in such operations as turning 

 the ewes to trim their feet. It is when the ewes 

 have passed through one-half the period of pregnancy 

 that these things are most likely to cause them to 

 cast their lambs. It is better to separate the ewes 

 one week before they are actually due, rather than to 

 delay this until their period of gestation has almost 

 passed. The duration of pregnancy is almost in- 

 variably 147 days. 



183 



