[Jacob-list] lilac eye rings and fly control

[Robvcas at aol.com]

I have a soft gray lilac ewe that I bred to a pale gray-brown lilac ram.  The 
resulting ewe lamb has soft gray ewe rings, darker gray body spots, and ink 
black leg markings.  I guess the lilac coloring can be as varied as the Jacob 
breed !   This is not possible for everyone, but a simple non-toxic method of 
fly control is Bantam chickens.  I've kept them for years and they solved my 
fly problems.  They free range in among the sheep and scratch the fly larva 
out before they have a chance to be flies.  Some bantam breeds are rather 
nervous, but the "feather footed" breeds are generally calm and easy going.  
They also eat almost all of the ticks around here,  which are quite a problem 
in my area.  My neighbor has to pull several off her dogs every day, but my 
two big dogs get maybe 2or 3 a year !   Guinea hens are also good for fly 
control , but more of a problem to free-range.   Robin