Community Chat

[SilleeMee]

If you sew and know how to use a saw then antlers make excellent buttons. 

[KatieB]

@MamaWick   Wow on the first picture.. Does the anters just fall off or does the deer help it to fall off (by rubbing them on something)? 

Also, I am wondering if it's painful when the males are rubbing the velvet off the antlers..

[MamaWick]

@KatieB  I think the shed is a little of falling off easily, a little of bumping into a tree, and a little of male bonding (fighting).  I don't think the shed is painful.  I'm not sure if the velvet rub is painful but I've seen them go at it, really rubbing against a tree and have seen blood on the antlers and on trees, and that is painful to me. 

[maximillian]

We have large dogs (Weimaraners) and we give them antlers from elk.  They make good chew toys.  They really don't seem to splinter.  I don't know if the deer antlers are safe or not for dogs, but the elk antlers are sold through several sources. 

[Kachina624]

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@Lali1 wrote:

Not to worry if you don't find the antlers squirrels and other small animals love to chew on them for the protein. 

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The antlers are a valuable source of calcium for some small animals.

I rode with a friend one day into the foothills of our Sandia Mountains.  In an arroyo right off the road were two big mule deer bucks who were "in velvet".  The just stood and looked at us.  What a thrill that was!  Usually I just see bluebirds when I go over there.

[nana59]

i thought you were building a shed......it's been a long day.......

[PamfromCT]

I am wondering how long it takes for their antlers to fully grow back.  It’s nice to learn things I never knew.  So now it’s a whole new learning process to ID these handsome fellows.

[Citrine1]

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@nana59 wrote:

i thought you were building a shed......it's been a long day.......

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LOL. I thought the same thing.

[Citrine1]

Just curious @MamaWick  -- you said that you've used some antlers for decoration.  When you find fresh antlers, do you need to wash them or sterilize them in some way before you feel comfortable having them in your house?  Sorry if this is a stupid question, I know very little about wildlife.