406 
SHEEP PROJECTS 
bers are large. One lot may include the wether lambs, another 
ewe lambs and another the breeding ewes. 
In the winter, supply succulent feeds of some kinds if possible. 
This may consist of silage or root crops. The grain ration may 
well be made up of wheat bran and middlings, oats and linseed 
meal. A good supply of grain is important for the ewes that are 
to lamb in early spring. The best hays for wintering sheep are 
clover and alfalfa but others are often used. Be sure that the flock 
is given gentle exercise daily during the winter. This may be 
accomplished by the herdsman in various ways without difficulty. 
Fic. 279.—Hinged panels may be hooked to walls and to each other to form temporary 
lambing pens for individual ewes. (Pennsylvania Station.) 
Examine the feet of sheep frequently. Trim the toes when they 
grow too long and watch for foot rot in any form. Bed the quar- 
ters well and do not allow damp manure to accumulate. Avoid 
draughts of cold air in the winter sheep quarters. 
Lambing Time.—A careful attendant should always be present 
at lambing time. Because of this the lambs should all come at 
about the same season. This can be planned rather definitely as 
the gestation period is five months. Supply plenty of clean, dry 
bedding in advance. Separate each ewe when about to lamb from 
the others by using small folding panels (Fig. 279) large enough 
to pen her comfortably in a corner of the fold, or she may be moved 
to a warmer place for the night. Keep the ewe and her lamb 
together until she nurses it and becomes acquainted with it enough 
to always own it. Many ewes disown their lambs through mistakes, 
or otherwise, when they are running with the flock. When twin 
lambs come see if their mother is able to supply milk for both.