The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: OhLaLa on September 28, 2011, 05:15:33 pm

Title: Magpies Hitching a Ride
Post by: OhLaLa on September 28, 2011, 05:15:33 pm

Early each and every morning the Magpies are there perched on the backs / heads of the sheep. Often going from one to the other. The sheep either tolerate them or shake their heads to dislodge them.

Are the birds doing me a favour by picking off something unwanted in their wool or are they up to no good?

Thanks in advance.

 :farmer:  :sheep:

Title: Re: Magpies Hitching a Ride
Post by: manian on September 28, 2011, 07:02:21 pm

they did this to ours earlier in the summer......
everyone reassured me ok and no damage done!
Mx

Title: Re: Magpies Hitching a Ride
Post by: SallyintNorth on September 28, 2011, 07:05:35 pm

Some corvids do pluck wool but the sheep never seem to mind so I have assumed it does no harm and may do some good (though I can't quite see what.)  I haven't seen magpies do it but I suppose if one corvid does, no reason another shouldn't.

Title: Re: Magpies Hitching a Ride
Post by: Hazelwood Flock on September 28, 2011, 10:11:33 pm

Sheep often pick up ticks on their muzzles, the magpies pick them off so doing a huge favour! The only down side is that this time of year the corvids are rather partial to blackberries, so any droppings they leave on the sheep turn into groovy purple patches!