OCR Text |
Show HOGS IN WINTER. It is no damage to the manure to have the hogs rooting it over if it is not drawn out upon the fields about as fast as made. Neither is it any injury to the breeding stock to have them do so. They will be more vigorous and have stronger pigs if they have exercise, and it is well to encourage them to work by scattering a little corn among the manure before it goes into the barn cellar. But while they can work in the manure heap nearly all day they should not sleep in it. The heating pile beneath them is probably warm, and they choose it for that and not for the sake of the filth, but such a heat upon one side while the other is cold cannot be wholesome. Provide a warm pen with an abundance of bedding in it for them to lie down upon when tired of working, and they will soon show that they seek the bed for comfort. If they do not, driving them in a few times will convince them that their own nest is the place for them. Raw roots are quite as good as cooked roots for them, as the cooked roots are too watery. If cooked, all the water should be drained off and then bran or oatmeal mixed with the warm roots when mashed up. Keep them in good growing condition, but do not get them too fat. American Cultivator. |