Assuming you are asking what to feed a wild newborn deer:
“Fawns are generally born throughout the spring in most parts of the country. The average weight at birth is about 4 to 5 pounds (1.8 to 2.3 kg). The gestation period is about 200 days. During the first few weeks of life fawns are completely dependent on their mothers for food and shelter. After a month or so fawns begin to eat grass and other plants. At about 3 or 4 months of age fawns are weaned and are able to fend for themselves” (source).
In the wild mother deer will feed their fawns milk for the first few weeks of life and then slowly introduce them to solid foods like grass and plants. If you find an orphaned fawn it is best to take it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who can care for it properly. If you are unable to do so you can try to care for the fawn yourself but it is important to understand that this is a difficult and time-consuming task.
The first thing you will need to do is purchase or make a milk replacer. There are many commercially-available formulas but it is important to find one that is specifically designed for deer. You can also make your own milk replacer using a recipe like this one:
“In a blender combine 1 cup (250 ml) of whole evaporated milk 1 cup (250 ml) of boiled water 2 egg yolks and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of corn oil. Blend until mixed well and store in the refrigerator” (source).
You will need to feed the fawn several times a day using a syringe or bottle. It is important to avoid overfeeding as this can cause diarrhea. When first starting out you should only offer a small amount of milk replacer and then gradually increase the amount as the fawn gets used to it.
In addition to milk replacer you will also need to provide the fawn with fresh water. It is important to clean and disinfect the water bowl daily.
As the fawn gets older you can slowly introduce solid foods like hay grass and leafy greens. You should always consult with a wildlife rehabilitator before making any dietary changes.
Caring for a wild fawn is a big responsibility and it is important to understand that you may not be able to successfully raise it yourself. The best thing you can do is take it to a licensed wildlife rehabilitator who has the experience and knowledge to properly care for it.
What do newborn deer eat?
Newborn deer eat milk from their mother’s body.
Do newborn deer eat grass?
No newborn deer do not eat grass.
What type of milk do newborn deer drink?
Newborn deer drink milk that is high in fat and nutrients from their mother’s body.
How often do newborn deer drink milk?
Newborn deer drink milk frequently up to 8 times per day.
How long do newborn deer drink milk for?
Newborn deer drink milk for the first few months of their life.
What happens to newborn deer if they don’t drink milk?
If newborn deer do not drink milk they will not survive.
How much milk do newborn deer drink?
Newborn deer drink approximately one gallon of milk per day.
What are the benefits of milk for newborn deer?
Milk is beneficial for newborn deer because it is high in fat and nutrients which helps them to grow and develop properly.
Do all newborn deer drink milk?
No not all newborn deer drink milk.
Some may be rejected by their mother or may not have access to milk.
What do rejected newborn deer eat?
Rejected newborn deer may eat grass or other vegetation.
How do rejected newborn deer survive?
Rejected newborn deer may survive by eating grass or other vegetation but they may not grow and develop as well as those that drink milk.
What is the difference between milk and grass for newborn deer?
Milk is richer in nutrients and fat than grass which is why it is essential for newborn deer to drink milk in order to grow and develop properly.
Do all newborn deer have access to milk?
No not all newborn deer have access to milk.
Some may be rejected by their mother or may not have access to milk.
How do newborn deer without access to milk survive?
Newborn deer without access to milk may survive by eating grass or other vegetation but they may not grow and develop as well as those that drink milk.
What is the best way for newborn deer to get the nutrients they need?
The best way for newborn deer to get the nutrients they need is by drinking milk.
