Is there an age when a does production starts to fall off? What is the average lifespan of does?
production of older does?
- Thread starter Doubletake
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Joined Sep 2010
572 Posts | 0+
Indiana
No, one of my best producing does is coming 8 and has 8lb plus twins every year. They can live well past 10
Our one girl is 11 years old and shes still producing big fawns. Flees farm has some old girls still producing like crazy.
Joined May 2009
2,369 Posts | 0+
Chillicothe, Missouri
Had a 13 year old doe gave single doe fawns her first 11 years then twins 1buck & 1 doe her last 2 years.........go figure! Lol
I still have three does that I bought as fawns when I started in the deer business 16 years ago. Last year 2 out of the 3 had twin fawns and the other did not fawn at all. One of the 3 has taken to AI for the last 10 consecutive years and we AIed her again this past breeding season. I don't know how long they will last but as long as they keep producing really big offspring I will hang on to them. James
Our oldest doe is 14 years old this may and she is an excellent mother, she will take care of any fawn you put in the pen with her. She is worth a million dollars if you ask me. Good Luck to everyone this season with your deer and fawns!
Joined Apr 2009
1,562 Posts | 0+
cental Pennsylvania
I would not hesitate to buy a 12 year old doe for a decent price, if I seen that she consistently produced awesome offspring, it's actually better than buying a doe fawn and wishing and hoping she produces. I don't see why you wouldn't get at least 4-5 more good fawning years out of her if she is in really good health.
Joined Apr 2009
524 Posts | 0+
Russell, MN
We have a 18 year old that will die on our farm....old time genetics bred to newer stuff the last few years and she always has some of the nicest bucks in the pen. Only have one daughter out of her and every year, hope for more.
Well she has produced a few nice breeders and is the line that I am wanting to work with
Joined May 2009
2,369 Posts | 0+
Chillicothe, Missouri
Curt, If you buy an older doe........The first thing you should know is she could die on the trip,If she does make the trip and does fawn for you that is great..........BUT as ALL deer can and will die any and everything is working AGAINST you and her including.....TIME!
If you buy her and have considered the risk/ reward and are comfortable with it ......go for it.......nothing ventured nothing gained........But as a NEW farmer I just wanted to remind you of the possible risk!
Best of luck
If you buy her and have considered the risk/ reward and are comfortable with it ......go for it.......nothing ventured nothing gained........But as a NEW farmer I just wanted to remind you of the possible risk!
Best of luck
