THE LAMBING SEASON.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1341, 14 September 1886, Page 3

THE LAMBING SEASON.

As the general lambing season la fast approaching, it would be expedient to tender a few remarks about the subject My remarks upon this topic will be chiefly directed to the small sheep farmer, seeing that that class .is most numerous in the land Sheep keeping is one of the best paying branches in mixed husbandry, if it is properly and practically followed The management of lamb*, therefore, la a most important and profitable work for those who keep sheep. The months in which lambing should take place in Southland are September and October, However, where there is plenty of English grass and good shelter available lambs can be successfully '.reared much earlier but on farms where the convenienceis lighted it is not at all lucrative to have a flock lambing be r ora October. Breeding ewes should never be overfed, especially with turnips or any other watery substance, not should they be in too high condiiion, as it predisposes the animal to dizziness and in many cases causes ceatb. Oaten bay or oaten chaff, along with a few roots, is the preferable feed for ewes previous to lamMncr. After lambing tbs ewe'sfeed should be increased, as her system is severely taxed by the lamb. In feeding the mother you are feeding the lamb. Even feeding should be strictly adheren to, as it produces an even texture in the wool; a falling off in the food causes breaks, which are very detrimental to the marketable value of the article- It ithe practice of many farmers to raise early lambs for the market, and I have beard of numerous good results from tbh course where ordinary care has been given. The profit derived fiom > atly lambs which can be made ready for the market by November or December should be an incentive both to keep a small flock and 1 1 care for It in the best manner. It is absolutely necessary, when early lambs are expected, that a weUaheliered spot be provided for the ewes. Ohilling is the greatest danger. If kept warm the lambs can do ver 7 well without nourishment for a few hours. If the lamb appears weak and disinclined to suck, handle it carefully and bold it to the mother. A young lamb is at first the weakest and most foolish animal imaginable. Once it has got on its feet and Kicked it is all right. If farmers are resolved to have lambs in winter they sbonld afford them every attention, and shelter buildings for this purpose should be erected. In fact, every farm should have its nursery, where the weaker ones may receive special care and attention. Sheep upon firms suited to them are very profitable, but however suitable the farms the profits will be in direct proportion to the intelligent care and attention the animals receive. Spring lambs should be weaned early enough in the fall, so that they may become fully accustomed to grass before winter sets ir. Stubble ground makes execellent pasture for lambs after weaning-—Correspondent Olntha Leader