Visiting Deer

[Caran]

Had my usual three deer visit for food today. There are two brown ones and one black one.
The black ones' antlers are in a terrible mess. All the velvety skin is hanging down in tatters. The antlers themselves are red raw. They look awful.
Is this a normal happening? I wasn't sure whether to ring the Forestry Commision or not. What do you good folk think?

[Baldric]

Sounds natural to me Caran.

[Caran]

Chris I've never seen this before. We have had deer visiting nearly everyday for well over ten years. This is a first time for such a gruesome sight.

[Baldric]

Over to you Chris!

[Mamyalynne]

Not always a pretty sight but should be nothing to worry about Caran.


http://www.wideopenspaces.com/10-awesome-photos-of-deer-shedding-their-velvet-pics/

[Caran]

Thank you Mamya, I don't understand why we haven't seen it before.

[Mamyalynne]

Can't answer that Caran , but it's good you show concern - they are part of your life there.

[Caran]

Oh they are Mamya, it's the first thing I look for when I get up.

[sapelesam]

You wouldn't get any interest from the Forestry Commision. I believe what you are seeing is normal as the antlers die prior to falling off. If you are still concerned, ring the RSPCA and ask for advice. If they can't help they are sure to know someone who can.

[sapelesam]

Forgot what time of year it is. After the velvet drops off the antlers will dry out and look like the bone they are. They will then lose the antlers next spring. You must excuse me, I've had a lot on my plate recently.

[pastafreak]

Fascinating article. But this ruined it for me... :-((

// Another good thing about bucks shedding their velvet means that hunting season is approaching. Some of these deer are just making their racks clean and shiny for your mantle. //

[Mamyalynne]

I'm not sure it's a British site, it was more to show it is normal.

[gness]

Think it's quite normal, Caran.....

[gness]

And have now noticed Mamya's post......must be time for bed... :-(

[Caran]

Gness that is just what he was doing. But they looked red raw.

[gness]

I believe there are veins and arteries around the antlers and connected to the velvet so this would make them appear raw and bloody as the velvet is removed.....x