To: <akkabhomestead AT yahoo.com>, <homestead AT lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [Homestead] deer
Date: Sat, 6 Sep 2008 05:33:39 -0400
Here in my part of TN the deer have always been about the same. Then our
drought last year was so extended that I think they are very malnourished.
This spring we had a fair amount of rain but are now back into very little
rain and I have seen a young set of twins, no spots, but very small. This is
the first time in 15 years on this property that the deer have come down into
the back patio area and eaten all my hostas. They are very bold and are
coming closer and closer during the day to find something to eat.
Jeanne
tnhillwoman
North East TN zone 6
----- Original Message -----
From: Akka Homestead
To: Homestead List
Sent: Friday, September 05, 2008 11:31 PM
Subject: [Homestead] deer
Has anyone noticed that the deer seem to cycling later and later in the
year? Normally, I think they would go into estrus in November, but some
around here have gone back in repeatedly because I am seeing very young
fawns-still wobbly- less than a few weeks old- this late in the season.
Gestation is about 6.5 months(200 days). If the fawns I am seeing were born
in mid August, then the doe would have conceived in early February. That is
more than 5 cycles!! I read that herd condition can play a part in this, so I
am guessing that overcrowding is leading to malnourishment, which is leading
to poor conception or inability to mate or lack of estrus? Has anyone else
noticed any of this in your area?