How to Care for an Injured Fawn

A fawn is a deer that is less than 1 year old. It usually is lighter in color than an adult deer, with white and yellow spots covering its fur. If a fawn becomes injured or sick, it is not uncommon for people to care for it until it recovers and can be released into the wild.

Things You'll Need

  • Deer milk with buttermilk extract
  • License to care for or possess wild animals
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Instructions

    • 1

      Obtain a license to possess a wild fawn. In most states, you are required to be licensed to care for and keep an animal from the wild, even if it is just for a short time. Speak to your local veterinarian to find out how to obtain a license in your area, as it varies from state to state.

    • 2

      Transport the fawn by tucking its legs at the knees to ensure it cannot harm itself or you. Hold the front legs folded in at the knees and have a friend hold the back legs while walking. If the fawn has lost movement in its legs, carry it with your arms draped around its stomach. Transport a severely injured fawn to a professional veterinarian as soon as possible.

    • 3

      Feed the fawn a doe's milk substitute combined with 11-percent butterfat extract. Refrain from feeding the fawn cow's milk or any other kind of milk, as it could cause nausea. Purchase doe's milk substitute at a large pet-supply store or online. Ask your local veterinarian to order it from a major supplier if you cannot find it anywhere else.

    • 4

      Keep the fawn off of its side. Keep the fawn's head raised in the sternal position to minimize the possibility of it regurgitating or breathing liquid into its lungs.

    • 5

      Be silent around the fawn to ensure it does not imprint on you.