How to Feed & Care for Deer Fawns

If you find a fawn that is alone and without the mother deer in the near vicinity, do not panic. Instead, watch the fawn for a few hours. Often mothers leave their babies behind to find food and eventually return within one to two hours to nurse. If after a few hours the mother has not returned, you may need to take steps to aid the baby deer.

Things You'll Need

  • Animal shelter phone number
  • 4 oz. cross-cut nipple baby bottle
  • Electrolyte replacement drink
  • Blanket (optional)
Show More

Instructions

  1. Feeding

    • 1

      Call the animal control shelter and update them on the situation. If you have been watching the fawn for 24 hours and the mother has not returned once, you may need to provide nourishment to the fawn.

    • 2

      Determine if the fawn is dehydrated and undernourished. Do this by checking to see if its eyes are sunken in and its ribs are protruding.

    • 3

      Pour a nourishing drink that replaces electrolytes, such as Pedialyte, into a clean baby's bottle with a cross-cut nipple. The cross cut makes it easier for the fawn to drink. Approach the fawn carefully so you will not scare him.

    • 4

      Hold the bottle out to show the fawn that you have food. Keep the bottle high. This is how they would drink from their mother if standing up. Allow the fawn to suckle from the nipple of the bottle. It may be hesitant, but be patient; eventually it will drink. Feed the fawn a full 4 oz. bottle of the electrolyte replacement drink every three to four hours. Keep a record of the feedings to provide to the animal shelter when they arrive.

    Care

    • 5

      Keep all family members, including pets, away from the deer. Approaching the deer if the mother is around may pose a threat. Remember, wait 24 hours to see if the mother returns before taking action.

    • 6

      Follow the instructions the animal shelter will give you. This may include checking the fawn for any wounds or broken bones. Continue to keep additional family members and pets away from the animal; they may scare the fawn. Keep a log of any changes in circumstances. Update the animal shelter when they arrive.

    • 7

      Do not move the fawn until instructed by the shelter. Place a blanket over the fawn if it is cold outside and you are concerned about the fawn's warmth.