The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Sheep => Topic started by: farmershort on May 13, 2017, 09:51:02 am

Title: First fly strike of the season!
Post by: farmershort on May 13, 2017, 09:51:02 am
Spotted the first case of flystrike with our flock the morning. We're in Devon, so it's bound to be early in the season, but it was always going to happen after this recent warm wet flush.

We were trying to hold off on crovect until after the shearer, but he can't come now for a couple of weeks. Checked with him first to make sure he doesn't mind working with 2 week old crovecty fleece.

Keep your eyes peeled folks!
Title: Re: First fly strike of the season!
Post by: waterbuffalofarmer on May 13, 2017, 10:02:58 am
Will do. Weather has been hot here and then over these 2 days lovely showers, still warm too so will keep a vigorous eye out. I am thinking of booking shearer end of this month, maybe? All but 3 have finished lambing now :)
Title: Re: First fly strike of the season!
Post by: SallyintNorth on May 13, 2017, 10:05:52 am
Thanks for the warning.

You probably don't supply your fleeces to handspinners or other crafters, but if you do, please be sure to tell them they've been crovected and, if they still want them. that the fleeces should be thoroughly washed and air dried before handling.  (Shearers are in contact with each fleece for a couple of minutes; crafters for hundreds of hours. ;))
Title: Re: First fly strike of the season!
Post by: twizzel on May 13, 2017, 11:36:35 am
I had a bad case of strike this week too in Cornwall. Shearing early next week luckily and the ewes are in.
Title: Re: First fly strike of the season!
Post by: Marches Farmer on May 13, 2017, 12:05:00 pm
Nights are still quite cool here but we ad a cloudburst on Thursday so if it gets warm the flies will really kick in.  The Badger Face/Southdown lambs are well fleeced so as soon as I see more than 6 greenbottles in a day they'll be Cliked.  Shearing is scheduled for Tuesday.