We have been having some predation of our Finnsheep lambs by wedge-tailed eagles which is costing us a lot of money – and anguish. The other morning as I went around the lambs I saw one flying higher than our largest gums with a lamb’s head in in its claws. I clapped my hands and shouted at it causing it to drop the lamb at least 100 feet. It hit the ground not far from me with an awful thump. I naturally went to retrieve the lamb as I am trying everything I can to discourage this predation. Naturally I expected that the lamb would be dead either from the head wound or the fall – or both, but as I approached I was somewhat horrified to see that it/he was still breathing. I expected to have to put him out of his misery.
First I decided to take some photos and then some video footage mostly so I could show people what a nuisance their beloved eagles are. In other countries you can claim compensation for such losses from ‘protected’ wildlife but not in Victoria where all I can do is acquire a permit (easily) to shoot five of them at a time! Our losses lately have been so great I am seriously considering this option I have to say. The birds have just become wickeder and wickeder. I am trying to frighten them away by firing the gun when I see them. I’m sure they have seen eagles shot before so I hope they will get the message. Perhaps we will acquire another Maremma for next year’s lambing at least.
This ewe is a very nice hogget ewe (a triplet herself) out of one of our best ewes. After three days it is impossible to distinguish Eagle Rock from his more fortunate brother.
But he is (now) the bigger of the two after feeling a bit sorry for himself for about 24 hours.
I was surprised when I started to video him that it seemed he might be able to lift his head when he just sat up! Then I quickly carried him back to his mother (and brother) in the next paddock and brought the three of them down to the home paddock where I could give him/them a bit more attention. 1ml of antibiotic was all he needed. Within three days his growth had overtaken his brother’s.
Della decided to call the lamb ‘Eagle Rock’ after the song I guess – and considering how tough the little guy has been. He may well be a champion Finnsheep ram for some lucky sheep breeder. All the ewe and ram lambs are already pre-sold, so we certainly know just how much the eagles are costing us.
Our Finnsheep are topping the Australian sheep database, ‘Lambplan’ for the most lambs raised per ewe joined – by a lot! As they say, ‘Get them while they’re hot. Taking orders now for the 2026 lamb drop.
See Also: Finnsheep
Finnsheep Unexpected Second Lambing
