7 Best Sheep Backrubbers For Small Flocks That Reduce Fence Damage
Itchy sheep can ruin fences. Our guide reviews the 7 best backrubbers for small flocks, providing a safe outlet for scratching and saving you repairs.
You’ve seen the signs: a corner of woven wire fence that sags mysteriously, a T-post leaning at a 45-degree angle, or tufts of wool caught on a gate latch. Your sheep have an itch, and your fence is their favorite scratching post. A dedicated backrubber isn’t a luxury item; it’s a critical piece of infrastructure that protects your investment and improves your flock’s well-being.
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Why Your Small Flock Needs a Dedicated Backrubber
Sheep have a natural and powerful instinct to scratch. They do it to relieve itchy skin, dislodge burrs, and help shed their wool. Without a proper outlet, they’ll use whatever is available—and your fenceline is the most convenient option.
This seemingly harmless behavior has real consequences. Consistent rubbing will stretch and weaken woven wire, eventually creating gaps a lamb could slip through or a predator could exploit. For electric fencing, they can push down posts, ground out wires, or even break insulators, rendering your perimeter useless. It’s not just about the fence; a sharp wire end or a splintered post can cause cuts and infections.
A dedicated backrubber redirects this instinctual behavior to a safe, durable spot. It becomes the "official" scratching post for the flock, saving you the constant headache and expense of fence repairs. More than just a fence-saver, it provides enrichment and comfort, leading to a calmer, more contented flock.
Tarter Scratch Max: The Heavy-Duty Fence Saver
If you’re tired of temporary fixes and want a permanent solution, the Tarter Scratch Max is built like a piece of farm equipment. This is a free-standing unit with multiple, replaceable, heavy-duty brushes arranged on a solid steel frame. Sheep can walk through it, rub against the sides, and scratch their backs all in one place.
The primary advantage here is its standalone design. You can place it in the middle of a pasture, drawing sheep away from your fences entirely. It’s heavy enough that they can’t knock it over, and the tough bristles provide a satisfying scratch that no fence can match. It’s an investment, but one that pays off by eliminating the need for constant fence maintenance.
Of course, the main consideration is cost. This is one of the more expensive options on the list, and it might feel like overkill for a very small flock of three or four sheep. But if you have a dozen or more animals and are constantly patching up the same section of fence, the math starts to make sense pretty quickly. It’s cheaper than replacing an entire fenceline.
ScratchnAll Pads: Versatile and Easy to Install
Sometimes the best solution is the one that fits into the space you already have. ScratchnAll pads are small, interlocking squares of durable material covered in firm, flexible nubs. Think of them as modular building blocks for a custom scratching station.
Their biggest strength is unmatched versatility. You can screw a few pads onto a sturdy wooden post, line the inside corner of a shelter, or create a long horizontal strip along a barn wall. This allows you to turn existing, sturdy infrastructure into a perfect scratching spot. They are relatively inexpensive and you can add more as your flock grows or as you identify new "hot spots" for rubbing.
The tradeoff is that they require a solid surface for mounting. They won’t work on a T-post or a flimsy panel. They also provide a less aggressive scratch than a full brush, which some sheep might find less satisfying. For best results, place them in high-traffic areas where your sheep already tend to linger, like near a water trough or mineral feeder.
The DIY Car Wash Brush Post for Frugal Farmers
For the farmer who prefers a hands-on approach and a tight budget, the DIY car wash brush is a classic solution. The concept is simple: acquire one or two large, stiff-bristled brushes (the kind used in automatic car washes) and bolt them securely to a well-set wooden post. You get a durable, effective scratcher for a fraction of the cost of a commercial unit.
The appeal is obvious: it’s incredibly cost-effective. You might find used brushes for cheap, and if you have a spare 6×6 post and some lag bolts, your total investment could be minimal. You can customize the height and angle to perfectly suit your flock, whether you have smaller Shetlands or taller Dorpers.
However, success depends entirely on your handiwork. The post must be sunk deep and set in concrete; otherwise, the combined weight of a few ewes leaning on it will knock it over in a week. You also need to ensure there are no sharp edges on your mounting hardware. It’s a fantastic option, but only if you have the time and tools to build it right.
Behlen Country Wick Oiler for Fly & Pest Control
In the heat of summer, an itch is often caused by more than just wool—it’s flies, lice, and other external parasites. The Behlen Country Wick Oiler tackles both problems at once. This device is essentially a hanging reservoir with a wick, often a chain wrapped in burlap or canvas, that passively applies a pest control solution as the animal rubs against it.
This is a dual-purpose tool. While providing a surface for rubbing, its primary function is applying fly control oil or a mild insecticide. Sheep walk under it, rubbing the solution onto their backs and heads, which are prime targets for pests. For small flocks, this can be a much more efficient method of pest control than trying to round up and spray every animal individually.
The downside is the management. It can be messy, and you need to regularly check and refill the reservoir. You also must be diligent about using a product that is specifically approved for sheep and following all safety guidelines. This is less of a deep-scratch solution and more of a gentle applicator, so it may not fully deter sheep from using fences if a really good scratch is what they’re after.
Weaver Leather Livestock Brush: A Simple Post Mount
Sometimes you don’t need a complex system; you just need a good, sturdy brush. The Weaver Leather Livestock Brush is exactly that. It’s a single, large, curved brush made with tough bristles, designed to be mounted vertically on a solid post or wall.
Its beauty lies in its simplicity and durability. It’s a purpose-built agricultural product, meaning it’s designed to withstand abuse from livestock and the elements. Installation is straightforward—just a few lag bolts into a solid wooden post—and there are no moving parts to break. It provides an excellent, aggressive scratch that sheep will actively seek out.
The main limitation is that it’s a single-surface solution. It only covers one side of a post. While it will likely become the flock’s favorite spot, a particularly itchy sheep might still use a fence for a different angle. For a small flock, one or two of these placed strategically can make a world of difference without the cost or complexity of larger systems.
Agri-Comfort Swinging Brush for Full Body Relief
For the ultimate in sheep comfort and enrichment, a swinging brush is hard to beat. The Agri-Comfort brush is a large, counter-weighted brush that hangs from a single pivot point. When an animal pushes against it, the brush swings, contours to its body, and provides a thorough scratch from head to tail.
The key benefit is full-body grooming. The swinging motion allows sheep to scratch their sides, back, neck, and head with ease. It’s not just functional; it’s also a form of enrichment that can reduce stress and boredom in the flock. A happy, comfortable sheep is often a healthier and more productive one.
This is a premium option with specific requirements. It needs a very strong overhead mounting point, like a heavy structural beam in a barn or a custom-built steel frame. It’s not something you can just hang from a tree branch. The cost is also higher than static brushes, making it a better fit for farmers who have a permanent, well-built shelter and want to invest in top-tier animal welfare.
Easy-Swing Cattle Scratcher: A Low-Maintenance Pick
Don’t let the name fool you; many "cattle" scratchers work wonderfully for smaller livestock. The Easy-Swing style often consists of several textured discs or brush segments hanging from a frame, using gravity and a swinging motion to provide relief. They are designed to be installed in an alleyway or high-traffic area.
The defining feature of this design is that it is virtually maintenance-free. There are no motors to service or reservoirs to fill. Once installed, it just works. The simple, robust construction means it can withstand years of use with little to no attention. Sheep can walk right through it, getting a good scratch along their entire back and sides as they pass.
The primary consideration is installation. Like the Agri-Comfort brush, this system requires a sturdy frame to hang from—either a dedicated steel arch or a reinforced doorway in a barn. It provides a more passive, full-body scratch rather than a targeted one, but its sheer durability and zero-maintenance nature make it an excellent "set it and forget it" choice for a busy hobby farmer.
Ultimately, the best backrubber is the one that gets used, drawing your flock away from your fences for good. By providing a dedicated spot for them to scratch, you’re not just saving yourself time and money on repairs. You’re investing in a calmer, healthier, and happier flock.
