worried mama...

[Fla deer mom]

Hey, I need a little advice. I have a 3.5 year old doe that had triplets over night, and all day acts like NONE OF THEM are hers - which is not possible. I wasn't planning to bottle feed these, but I'm sick of watchin the little things wander around, crying... and she actually RUNS from them. She raised singles the last 2 years, but so far she's not being a good Mama! My question is, how long should I wait on HER before taking steps to insure the fawns survive. If I took ONE, are the chances better for the other 2 to make it? One thing that keeps ringing in my head today is the statement I read on here that a CRYING FAWN IS A DYING FAWN. Now I can't find that thread to see if that applies to us...Home alone today, and worried...

[Robbie]

Here is a great trick a Texas deer farmer shared with me. Take a little flour, regular baking flour, and dust their butts. Check them every hour or so and if they are still white, pull them, she isn't taking care. If they are clean, she is just being sneaky about it. You should also be able to feel if their bellies feel full or not.

Let us know how it goes - good luck!

[ddwhitetails]

What a great idea!! I will put that in my bag of tricks!!

[Fla deer mom]

Thanks, Robbie... these deer are not very tame at all, and I really didn't want to go into the pen again, but great idea. After totally 'disowning' her babies all day, I find her feeding 2 at one time! :) This is at least 12 hours after birth, and I feel like it was the first feeding - they didn't know exactly where to find milk, but she was very good with them. The one is so small he almost can not reach the 'dinner plate' ! Thanks again...I'll sleep better tonight!

[Neeby]

Once again robbie knows best!!

[allenb]

Robbie, Thanks for a Great tip.