It is important to consider the position of your backrub in the paddock. We recommend hanging it between two trees in a cattle camp or near a watering point. People often want to hang a backrub between a gateway, however ideally you want the cattle to seek out the backrub not be forced to use it. By placing the backrub in a camp or near water, the cattle will find the backrub and gradually one by one begin to use it. Once the cattle work out that by using the backrub that they get relief from flies they will continue to use it as each individual animal requires.
Weaners and bullocks quickly learn to use the rubber, but breeders may be hesitant. It may take some time. A lick block or feed is one way to get them going to the rubber, and they soon learn what they are all about. Rubs should be put near water holes or shady camps were the livestock have full access to them.
Operating instructions
- Pre-soak backrub in a fly control solution in a container (e.g. drum, tub or bin) for at least 4 hours.
- Hang the backrub over the container to drain the excess solution for at least 10 hours.
- When re-bottling the excess solution strain through shade cloth to prevent blockage in the self-feeder mechanism.
Self-feeding backrubs
During the summer months when fly infestation is at its worst the tap should be opened enough to service the backrub – approximately 1 drop per minute. If the solution is dripping onto the ground the tap is opened too much.
Plain backrubs
The plain backrub is serviced manually by pouring the solution on by hand as required.