Visiting Deers.

[Caran]

Two deers came for food yesterday. One had lost both his antlers and the other had just the one. He was feeding out of my hand when he suddenly banged his head on the gate. His remaining antler fell off. He started bleeding from the wound and became very distressed. He kept moving his head about as though to alleviate the pain. He wouldnt eat any more, just rolling his head about.
They eventually wandered off. I picked the antler up and put it on the patio while I thought what to do with it. Very surprised how heavy it is. Must be most uncomfortable to have two of them on their heads.
Daughter has hinted she would like it, I'm going to see if the local primary school would like to see it before she has it.
It really upset me though to see such a beautiful animal in so much pain.

[Islay]

Its normal for them to shed their antlers - it happens every year - and will start to regrow shortly.

[Caran]

I have watched them regrow for quite a few years. This is the first time I have seen one shedding their antlers.
I didn't realise it caused them pain.

[Mamyalynne]

Was most likely the banging of his head that hurt.

[DTCwordfan]

Oh deer, oh deer.....

Just make sure that you don't have any ticks stuck to you.

Islay is right about the regrowth. The deer sell them for feed to country hotels, pubs and restaurants.

[Islay]

The pain is fleeting - our local farm sells them to provide feed during the winter.
I myself paid £60 for a beautiful candle holder made of one - hold on to it and any others your find - You can sell them on ebay for a tidy sum.

[Caran]

DTC I don't understand! How can the deer sell them for food?

[Caran]

He came back today, very happy to feed from my hand.
Doesn't seem to be in any pain. So relieved to see he is ok.