Stinkin fly...

[New Farm Momma]

Does anyone have any ideas for organic fly repellant that I can rub on my calves?
I am not sure how much of a problem it will be but I am sure it is coming...they are already bad due to the mild winter. I hope my chickens will help take care of the larvae but for those that will be "bugging" the cows?

[BlackWillowFarm]

Don't know of any repellents but would encourage you to look into "Fly Predators" from Spaulding Labs. Arbico also offers them. It's what I use and I'm really happy with the results.

[G. Seddon]

We've been using fly predators for years...also try to manage the manure so it doesn't accumulate where the animals hang out.

Not organic, but the best control we had over flies on the cows was when we used the fly eartags (made by Bayer, I think). Had to rotate them every year as I recall. They were put in in early spring and removed in the fall. Could really see the difference when we used them.

[SCRancher]

I used fly tags the first time last year - was an amazing 3 months of fly free time.

I will use them again (alternating type) this year once my cows are showing enough aggravation with the fly's.

I would love to go "all natural" but I can't justify the cost of the "fly predators".
$551 and change for fly predators vs less than 80 bucks for fly tags.

I DO want to explore the water traps that you can put up - black plastic with clear plastic strip - flys try to fly through the clear strip, hit it, drop into soap water and drown. I am thinking home-made trap.

[allenslabs]

Ok....stupid question. I don't have ear tags in my calves although my cow does have one but I bought her with it. Do you think that the ear tags would be effective if I tied one to each side of her halter? I hate adding any more holes to her ears. LOL!

[SCRancher]

You need to remove the existing fly tag(s). Then put the new fly tags into the old fly tag hole.

I didn't want to have to add holes either however after seeing the relief the quick pain of a new hole was a small suffering then the constant bothersome fly's.

The recommendation from the manufacturer is a tag in each ear for an adult cow and a single tag in a calf.

I have not yet had occasion to put fly tags in very young animals (6 months and younger) as the fly's don't seem to bother them or perhaps the grooming of the mothers is what is keeping the fly's off.

[allenslabs]

She doesn't have fly tags in now, just the ID ear tags from the guy I bought her from. Hmmmm....

[SCRancher]

Sorry I misunderstood Allenslabs - IMO it's worth it to put the new holes in their ears.