How to Raise Piebald Fawn Deer

Piebald deer have a white-and-brown patterned coat that resembles that of a pinto horse. It is not a parasite nor any type of disease that causes this distinct coloration, but rather a genetic variation in the white-tail deer. Some of the estimated 1 percent of white-tail deer affected may be almost entirely white, possess a Roman nose, have short lower jaws or shorter legs.

Things You'll Need

  • Latex or rubber gloves
  • Clean sheets or towels
  • Vaccinations
  • Veterinary guidance
  • Milk replacer
  • Acreage
  • Tweezers
  • Powdered garlic
  • Enclosure
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Instructions

    • 1

      Handle piebald fawns only after they are completely dry, unless medically necessary. Be sure to wear latex or rubber gloves and cover the fawn in clean sheets to prevent bacterial transfer and prevent human scent from getting on the coat.

    • 2

      Vaccinate and conduct health assessments according to veterinary instruction.

    • 3

      Care for rejected or orphaned fawns gently. Newborns especially have difficulty generating their own body heat, but humans can lend a hand with vigorous chest rubbing, heat lamps and warm blankets or towels. Bottle-fed milk replacers fulfill nutritional requirements during the first several weeks. Between the age of 10 to 14 weeks, young fawns can be turned out with the rest of the herd.

    • 4

      Provide piebald deer with a habitat of varying composition that include trees, water, grasslands and suitable natural cover. Deer are highly adaptable to various habitats and can survive comfortably in areas of mature forest or expansive open fields.

    • 5

      Reserve enough area for fawns to properly feed. Piebald deer take in roughly 4 to 6 pounds of pasturage daily per each 100 pounds of body weight. They are cud-chewing hoofed animals with four-chambered stomachs, like cattle, and are selective feeders. Rather than graze on vegetation, piebald deer pick out specific leaves, fruit, twigs, weeds, grasses and other agriculture with their long, pointed mouths.

    • 6

      Prevent disease. Coccidiosis is commonly found in piebald deer under a year old when confined to small areas. This disease causes diarrhea with watery or bloody feces. It can damage the intestinal tract of the deer and may result in death from dehydration, severe weight loss or pneumonia. Fawns 3 months and older can safely be treated with antibiotics and regular worming.

    • 7

      Treat infestation. Heel flies, or cattle grubs, lay their eggs on the hair of the hind legs during the fall months. When the larvae emerge, they embed themselves in the deer skin and burrow through the connective tissue for the next four to six months. If seen on a fawn, one person should gently restrain the fawn while another person applies a pinch of black pepper and dabs it into the puncture. A small head will protrude shortly thereafter and can be removed with a small pair of tweezers. The area will heal if kept clean.

    • 8

      Reduce flying pests. Annoying ticks, flies and mosquitoes are easily prevented by adding powdered garlic to the deer feed. Five to six pounds of powder per one ton of feed is recommended. Sulfur salt blocks can also be used year-round to keep deer fawn safe.

    • 9

      Create a safe enclosure. Piebald deer, just as white-tailed deer, are capable of jumping a 7-foot-high fence from a standstill and 8-foot-high or more if jumping at a run. Any enclosure should have a fence high enough to keep deer safely within while preventing predators from entering.