[lowlander]

I am planning to Crovect our adult Shetlands tomorrow for protection against fly strike - all hand sheared last week (or naturally rooed) so have a short covering of fleece. Was intending to do the lambs as well (range in age from 3-9 weeks). But just read on the label that it shouldn't be used on animals smaller than 12.5kg. I don't have a weigh crate but I think the younger ones would be about half that. Is there an alternative that is safe to use on small lambs?

[farmvet]

dysect or spot on. Both are used routinely on newborn lambs as soon as dry.

[lowlander]

Thanks farmvet. Spot on I have but I wasn't sure it protected against blow fly?

[Hellybee]

When we had late lambs last year in july, a few little surprises I kept them housed with little yard for a bit with they're mum and surrounded them with flypapers, was terrified of them getting it, then sprayed them when they were a few weeks old, little bum spray.

[lowlander]

Thanks Hellybee. Haven't had any problems as yet but our neighbour's ram was struck badly last week so the flies are around. I will crovect the ewes and the bigger lambs, will spot on the others and have ordered some of this: https://www.suppliesforsmallholders.co.uk/blowfly-repel-500ml-p-827.html for the baby lambs until they are big enough to crovect. Just we are away next week with friends farm sitting so I want to make sure they had as much protection as I can for this week.

[ladyK]

I have found Blow Fly Repel to work very well (but needs to be repeated every week or so).

[lowlander]

Thanks ladyK - I've ordered some. Just managed to do about half the sheep with Crovect. Even with the right gun and nozzle it is hard to apply evenly! Think the spray bottle and knowing it is not noxious stuff will be easier especially with lambs. If it works I will use it for all of them in future. Don't mind reapplying (only a small flock). Will look out for a fly trap as well.

[shep53]

Coopers spot-on does not protect against blowfly it only treats it  ,  Dysect says not to use on lambs under 1 week old same as  Crovect

[lowlander]

Thanks shep - the youngest are 3 weeks but as they are shetlandx they are still very tiny - I reckon around 5 or 6 kg which I think is under the weight for both Dysect and Crovect. I will try the organic one for now with a fly trap until they are a bit bigger!

[Hellybee]

The mother of all traps is called red top.     If they were here we give them a little spray at that age.  I thought they were new borns, sorry.  We keep some crovect in spray bottle, in the event of (even though it shouldn't happen as they ve been done twice) us finding it. Perhaps a crovect sweep across the back of haunches/dock with spray bottle, not set at vapour though. 

[princesslayer]

I did mine with crovect about 4 weeks old, as we had a tick infestation, the smallest was around 11kilos I think, they are Jacobs. Did the trick with the ticks and flies so far, no apparent I'll effects. I'm sure my bottle said they could be dosed at 11kilos? But can't remember exactly.

[lowlander]

Crovect says not to use on under 12.5kg - the 3-week-olds are Shetland/Heb crosses and are much less than that. The fly trap I've ordered is a red top  - it sounds thoroughly disgusting but if it kills all those flies then it is definitely worth it!

[Bramblecot]

Details of this red top fly trap please, I've not heard of it.  Anything in the war on flies

[lowlander]

I found out about it through the Natural Fibre Company recommendations for alternative approaches to fly control -seems like it works - not sure how many will need round a field but thought would try it and see. http://www.redtopflycatcher.co.uk/how-it-works.html

[Thyme]

I got some and set one out a few days ago.  It's not doing that much so far but I've read it takes some time to get up to full strength, and that hot weather helps get it going.  It's caught some flies but not that many and I can't smell it unless I'm right up close.  Hoping it kicks into gear in the next few days.