Getting foxy to protect lambs

A LIGHT that mimics human movement to keep foxes away from lambs and other small livestock is the latest in innovative agri devices available at Kelliher’s. Foxlights were developed by an Australian farmer some years ago when he was forced to find a job away from his farm and was concerned with fox attacks against his newborn lambs. Prior to this he would patrol his fields of a night with a gun and spot light at the time of lambing. The idea behind the light is to create the impression of somebody walking around the area with a spot light and thus foxes staying away because of their fear of perhaps being shot at.

After three years of using these lights and seeing how well they worked he decided to have it redesigned by professionals, with the features of 9 LED bulbs able to project light at 360 degrease, a computer chip to create a varying flash so foxes wouldn’t get used to it, operating with a 6 volt battery to give up to six months’ worth of flash, a day night light sensor so it would be self operating.

They are placed at an elevated spot near lambing or hung on an existing wire fence.

Sales in Australia have been strong, with farmers using them for the protection of many types of animals from foxes and dingoes. People working for the protection of endangered wild life have had success with the use of these lights.

“These lights are proving to be the most economical way to protect vulnerable livestock from foxes in areas where flocks are isolated,” John Lynch of Kelliher’s said, but added the device does not represent a ‘magic bullet’; attacks might still occur. Check out the following YouTube link to see it in action – http://youtu.be/ mrFgviTI8ts. John Lynch may be contacted on (066)7123446.