IT'S A statement borrowed from the telly, but the makers are claiming that OrlDen's fox repellent oil for lambs is so good that 'In surveys, 10 out of 10 foxes said they hated it'!

This comes as an aily paste which is applied to newborn lambs to protect them against predatory foxes. It is an Irish product initially marketed in 2014 and is now being used effectively by some sheep farmers in Scotland, according to Michael Lynch, of OrlDen.

He added: "A lot of farmers we sell to were used to losing two to 30-plus lambs to foxes, but nobody reported they lost any lambs treated with our repellent oil. And, there was no rejection or miss-mothering of lambs by ewes."

He added: "The product is safe and non-irritant for human and ovine skin, and does not contain tar, iodine or irritant ingredients.

Time of application depends on location, he said. "If born inside, apply the oil just before they are let out. If lambs are born outside, the oil should be applied immediately, certainly before evening at the latest to provide protection.

"But, if applying to freshly born lambs, still wet, it is important to apply the oil to the neck area only to avoid rejection."

The fox repellent oil is available in 100ml and 500ml, treating 15+ and 80+ lambs, respectively. It is also available in a five-litre bucket on request.