Countless lambs are lost every year due to predation by foxes, with outdoor lambing flocks being most at risk.
To reduce the likelihood of these attacks occurring, Forcefield Active Technology has brought an innovative product – Foxlights – to the Irish market.
Over the past number of years, some 15,000 Foxlights have been sold in Australia and the product is growing in popularity among Irish farmers, as an effective way to protect young lambs and other vulnerable animals from foxes and other night predators.
How Do Foxlights Work?
The product, originally developed by Australian farmer Ian Whelan, gives the perception of someone walking around the area with a flashlight, thus keeping predators at bay.
A computer chip on a power board with nine LED bulbs creates a varying flash of blue, red and white lights with different time sequences.
Farming in Buttevant, Co. Cork, Timothy Breen runs a flock of approximately 180 Vendeen sheep and purchased two Foxlights in 2016.
Timothy operates an outdoor lambing system and outlined that foxes are a major problem on his farm.
“I have one light in the field where the sheep spend most of the night. Fox attacks have been a constant problem in this area. They are a notorious problem, but I have had no attacks at night since I purchased the light.
“My sister also has two Foxlights located in a field with her pedigree flock and she has had no attacks either. I think for night time and especially outdoor lambing, it’s essential,” he explained.
The Cork-based farmer hangs the Foxlights from the sheep wire on his farm and he is very happy with results.
“The light clicks onto the wire very easily. Generally, I have found the light very helpful. It’s quite obvious when you drive onto the farm in the mornings, the sheep are all in the field where the light is,” he concluded.
Foxlights are distributed in Ireland by Forcefield Active Technology and are available through your local co-op or agri merchant.
To find your local stockist call one of the Forcefield team:
Put To The Test On A Cork Sheep Farm
Where Can I Buy Foxlights?
Click here for more information