How to Feed Black-Tailed Deer

Black-tailed deer are a subspecies of mule deer that live throughout the Pacific Coast of the United States. Black tails and large ears set them apart from other deer species. Adult black-tailed deer do not need assistance when it comes to feeding because they are natural grazers that thrive on grasses, grains, nuts, berries and fruits. Fawns on the other hand need their mother's milk for sustenance. Young black-tailed deer are often orphaned or abandoned by mother deer and must be fed by humans. If a young black-tailed deer has entered your life and needs to be cared for then there are a few steps you need to take to make sure the fawn gets the nutrition it needs.

Things You'll Need

  • Cattle feeding bottle with slanted nipple
  • Dish soap
  • Deer or goat colostrum
  • Deer or goat's milk
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Instructions

    • 1

      Sanitize the bottle and nipple with hot soapy water. Let the bottle and nipple dry fully.

    • 2

      Fill the bottle with deer colostrums or goat colostrums to feed newborns that are less than 12 hours old. Newborns need to be fed colostrum in the first 12 hours of their life to build muscle mass and help fight off diseases. Fill the bottle with warm deer milk or goat's milk for young that are older than 12 hours. Make one bottle at a time right before it will be used to feed the young. Never fill bottles in advance because it encourages the spread of bacteria.

    • 3

      Allow the fawn to drink from the bottle on its own. Hold the bottle at a 45-degree angle to help the fawn to suckle and retrieve milk. Let the young drink until it is full and stops drinking. Feed the young every hour until it is full and stops drinking. Consult a veterinarian who works with exotic pets or farm animals to help feed a fawn that will not suckle from the bottle.