Evening Republican, Volume 16, Number 19, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 22 January 1912 — Winter Quarters for the Flock [ARTICLE]

Winter Quarters for the Flock

Psrdne University Agricultural Extension

By D. O. fHOMPSON, . One of the first essentials to be considered In the winter care of the. flock Is the housing. This should always be dry above and underfoot. Therefore, when a sheep barn or shed Is built It should be located, if possible, on an elevated spot provided with good drainage on all sides. No water should ever be allowed to run into the barn during heavy rains or when the snow is rapidly melting in winter. Keep the dry and do not force the sheep to lie down on wet floors. Such conditions cause rheumatism and stiffness In legß and body. It is Just as Important also to keep the coat dry. Provide ample opportunity for the flock to go inside the barn, especially during a driving storm. A wet fleece Is as disagreeable and barmlul to the sheep as wet clothing Is to man. This does not mean, however, that the quarters be warm. Though sheep like dry quarters they do not prefer too warm a place. The fleece provides ample protection from cold and so long as it is kept dry the flock will not suffer from the cold. Provide Ventilation and Bunltght. Another important factor leading to' the welfare of the flock is to afford plenty of ventilation without draughts. Coughing, .running at the nose and lung diseases,... some form of which are so prevalent in many flocks, are due to draughts sweeping through the. barn or shed. An abundance of dry air owt be supplied without the in-

jurious draughts. This may be done best by having the north, east and west sides tightly closed, with most of the south side open to admit the sunlight as well as the air. Sufficient change of air may be secured in this way, without the injurious effects of a direct draught through the barn resulting from openings on opposite sides of the building. Allow abundant sunshine. Sheep enjoy plenty of light and do not thrive in dark places. It not only keeps the flock in a contented condition, but when furnished with the direct rays of the son aids materially in keeping the quarters dry. ‘ Then, too, there lino purifying agent against 111th, bab teria and other disease producing conditions so cheap and effective as the direct rays of the sun. Amount of Spaee Required. Allow enough shed space for mo ewe so that the shed will not bo crowded when the entire flock Is In side. This may be provided for by furnishing about 100 square feet for every 1,000 pounds of sheep or by allowing 12 to IS square feet for each ewe. A crowded condition creates nervousness and discontent especially when prolonged through a day or two of stormy weather when the flock most he kept inside. Exercise. Plenty of exercise is essential to the health and vitality of the flock. Make the sheep take exercise. Do this by furnishing them constant access to a dry yard with a sunny exposure, protected from the wind as far as possible Ordinarily a healthy properly fed flock will be out in the open most of the time during pleasant days if given the opportunity. Exercise may be ipdu»d by making the ewes go to some other part of the Tam on dry days to get their rocgbaga.