434 MANUAL OF FARM ANIMALS 



rangements for separating the ewes at lambing time, storage 

 for grain and hay, and, if possible, a root cellar. 



The ventilation of the sheep barn should receive careful 

 consideration. This must be so arranged that^ there are no 

 draughts, as such will result in colds, running at the nose, ca- 

 tarrh, and like troubles. Many experienced sheep owners pre- 

 fer to ventilate the sheep quarters by placing doors across one 

 side of the barn. These doors are divided in halves horizontally, 

 the lower part of the door swinging as an ordinary gate swings, 

 while the upper half is hinged at the upper edge. The top half 

 is opened by lifting to a horizontal position and held by props 

 or pendant chains. By raising the upper halves and closing the 

 lower, the ventilation can be made so thorough that the inside air 

 is as pure as that on the outside, and since the doors are all on one 

 side of the barn, there is freedom from draughts. If the sheep 

 have the run of these quarters in summer, it is well to open both 

 top and bottom doors, arranging a slat door on the inside to re- 

 strain the sheep. During the heat of summer, a blind is fastened 

 over the windows and doors to keep out the sun's rays and 

 slightly to darken the quarters, as sheep prefer this to the 

 daylight. 



An abundance of sunshine is essential to the well being of the 

 breeding flock in winter. Sunshine is nature's greatest disinfec- 

 tant, and keeps the quarters light and cheery. If the row of 

 doors arranged for ventilation is on the south side of the quar- 

 ters, as it should be, it will admit sufficient sunshine on days when 

 th e doors can be kept open. It is often necessary to close them on 

 account of the severity of the weather, just after shearing, or just 

 after dipping, and in such cases extra windows are very conven- 

 ient. These may preferably be placed along the south side be- 

 tween the doors, as then they will serve their maximum efficiency. 



In selecting a site for the sheep barn, due consideration should 

 be given to drainage. Sheep cannot survive damp and muddy 

 footing. Wet .floors and muddy lots are to be avoided. If 



