The Hillsborough recorder. [volume] (Hillsborough, N.C.) 1820-1879, 1861-01-30
From the Country Gentleman.
CARE OF SHEEP IN SPRING.


CARE OF SHEEP IN SPRING.
Probably more sheep die early in the
spring months-die, we mean, leaving only
their poor pelts to the owner--than during
the entire remainder Of the year. This IS
generally caused by the neglect Of capital
rule in sheep husbandry, one which every
farmer who would keep these animals profit
ably, should "post up in conspicuous
place" among his grand maxims in farm
management
Never let Sheep get poor at any time in
the year."
For the reason that ii is hard TO bring them
up to good condition again, but (and to this
we would now especially call the attention, j
il is particularly difficult TO bring sheep.
poor in the fall, safely through to grass an
other season. Withoutthe closest manage
ment, such sheep. especially ifkept in large
focks. are decimated by disease and starya-
tion-the poorer and weaker they get. the
less chance they have 10 secure food in the
crowds OF strong animals. The present 10,
perhaps, the time OF the greatest mortality.
II sheep have been wintered in good con-
ditiun, they still need good care and atten-
ton in spring. Though The flock was pro.
lperly sorted IN the fail, and kept in small
numbers together during the winter, they
should again be looked over and re-arrrnged
as their condition may indicate. II is well
10 give all the ewes with lamb quiet place
by themselves, where they may be fed with
view 10 the expected increase. Those
wethers, dry ewes, &C.. which it may be
though tosell after shearing, should
receive extra feed--they will show lis effects
very pro6tabIy after short run TO grass,
and will command much better prices as
mutton. Indeed. good mutton is always in
demand. and il thoroughly fattened, will at
tract buyers who will pay for it.
As 10 the best time for the coming Of young
lambs, opinions vary; and we think should
do so, TO suit the climate. In the more
northern parts Of our country, il is generally
thought best 70 have the lambs came as early
as March, as they need time TO get growth
before the early setting in Of winter, and cs-
pecial provision is made for their care and
feeding. But in more southern sections,
they are usually delayed until the last Of
April or fore part Of MAY, when the grass
starts so as TO give good feed. aud induce a
good flow Of milk for the young. We have
raised good lambs under the latter system,
when our sheep were in good condition ;
and with proper food for the ewes in winter,
have succeeded well with February lambs,
producing large aud heavy feeced animals.
But whatever time may be selected, the
ewes should be prepared BY judieious feed.
ing 10 yield good supply OF milk. "A eve
in good condition and with a good flow ol
milk" says an experienced Hock.mastcr,
"seidom gives the shepherd any trouble,
but the reverse with The sheep, the reverse
with the trouble. More than this. lamb
raised by a half.fed eve is not worth any.
thing when raised. Ewes should not be lat
but in good condition, and lor several week,
before the lambs come, the eve should be fed
with view 70 have a sufficient quantity o.
milk Tor the lamb. There is nothing better
for this purpose than oats aud wheat bran
with good hay or corn fodder" Wheat shorti
have been commended very highly Zoe thii
purpose, aud are no doubt cxcellent--so a.,
roots and with full feeding Of early GU
! green.cured clover hay. almost any kind o
grain in small supply will answer. Suci
hay is excellent for inducing milk.
fearlings should receive careful attention
in spring. and like all sheep. have free sup.
ply Of water. On the warm, sunny, or rany
days. their appetItes are moro caprIcious. and
We would tempt them by change Of food
that they may keep IN thriving condition
An April lamb well kept for year, will
generally rive heavier fleece than an Older
sheep; but IL poorly kept. lambs fleece !,
very light. and the chance is that Il will have
TO be pulled about these days." never com
ing TO the shesring time. but reaching an IN
timely end.
n Perhaps the caution may be needed agains
haste IN turning 10 pasture before the grasi
grows--which Is an injury TO the ami.
NAL and the land. and violation Of our open
ING paragraph. But sheep may 20 to gras,
earlier than other wise. il their feed OF gran
is continued, especially on all cold and .tor
my days. until sumner is assuredly present