Featured Farm Q&A ............................................................ 9

?? ???Continued4. HOW MANY DEER DID YOU START WITH? We started with 3 bred does. Two are pasture does, and one is a pedigreed/registered doe to be an anchor to our breeding program. 5. DO YOU AI OR LIVE BREED? IF YOU AI, DO YOU USE VAGINAL OR LAP PROCEDURE? We just picked out our first buck, our plan is to live breed for the time being. In a few years, once we see what our deer are producing, we may introduce AI if there are genetics/traits we want to introduce. When that happens, I expect we will use LAP. 6. DO YOU BOTTLE FEED YOUR FAWNS?

We had 5 fawns in early June, we ended up bottle feeding 2. We had a maiden doe (first time mother) who had twins. She was only taking care of one of her two babies. The one that wasn’t being taken care of, we pulled for bottle feeding. Since deer are so social, we pulled a second for the benefit of the first.

7. WHAT FEED DO YOU USE?

For the adults, we are in the process of switching to Purina Record Rack (we are switching due to quality issues with the feed we were using). We also supplement them with peanut hay, forage (grapevine leaves, oak tree leaves, Spanish moss etc) and occasional corn (as a treat). For the fawns, we use Fox Valley first day formula. Recently, we’ve been giving them calf mana and feed pellets as supplements and to start getting them use to it (they are 2 months old now). We also give the fawns forage and occasional grapes, blueberries and apples for snacks to help with weaning (which is just now starting).

8. WHAT IS THE MOST ENJOYABLE PART OF RAISING DEER?

Fawn kisses! Oh, and all the photo opportunities! Oh, and seeing the fruits of your labor in such a quick return (great sense of accomplishment!). Oh, and all the awesome people that become your friends. Have I mentioned fawn kisses? Take your pick! 9. HOW HAS THE ASSOCIATION HELPED YOU AND YOUR FARM?

The association is how we found Rich and Laurie in the first place. Also, the conferences have been amazing! Those are such a great way to meet people, network, learn and have lots of fun! We had to opportunity to meet Keith Warren and Doug Roberts (along with a lot of other great people), win a few auction items and even the occasional raffle.

Also, the association is a fantastic resource for information. Whether it is the conference, general information, vet services, or farm planning, everything about deer farming is at your disposal.

llc