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Raising another's babies

S

sugarmountain

Joined May 2009
7 Posts | 0+
I wonder if anyone can help me....another local deer farmer asked me to raise his babies this year (using Superior Milk Replacer at his cost). My question is : does anyone know what the reasonable rate would be to have me doing this for him? By the fawn or by the hour? I was thinking 3-5 dollars per day per fawn. Does that sound about right? An:rolleyes:y suggestions would be helpful.
 
Depends on what the genetics are.:eek: 3-5 dollars per fawn for 100 days sounds average.
 
I was joking about genetics, those are the ones that accidently die, then you start your own farm in fall.:p



There are some farms in Texas that make thier living on raising fawns, may wait on them to respond.
 
Raising fawns for someone else is a tough job. There are alot of issues to consider besides the fee. Do you have in writing the following issues?

1. Who will be responsible for death losses and under what conditions.

2. What will happen if the owner suddenly stops providing milk? Make sure you have a safety valve.

3. What happens if the fawns get sick? Who pays the vet bills?

4. How long will each fawn be cared for? When will they be returned to the owner.

5. When do you get paid.....along the way or at the time the fawn(s) are returned to the owner.

6. If the fawns die at 6-8 weeks of age will you be paid on a pro-rata basis, or will you get nothing?

7. What happens if you return a fawn(s) and they transmit a disease to the owner's herd?



I mention these issues because I have seen all of them occur. Most agreements are based on a handshake and good faith, but if I were going to invest 3 months of my life to raising someone else's fawn(s) I would want something in writing. The contract protects both of you and eliminates any mis-understandings. Good Luck
 
Here in Tx. the rate goes from $650-$750 and some get $1000. Half up front half on delivery. If fawn dies keep the first half. Milk is included in cost and they pay for big vet bills, Broken legs and so on. The everyday meds are included in the cost. If one comes in and dies in a week or a couple days no charge. Need to be on the same page as owner and have his full trust no guestions asked. If not let them raise em. ZZ
 
I have only raised a few fawns for others in the past but I plan on taking in around 15 to 20 fawns next year and I will be charging $800 per fawn Milk included in the cost and they pay for vet bills. The everyday meds are included in the cost. If fawn dies keep the first half. If one comes in and dies in a week or a couple days no charge.



I have been told by others that $800 is to much but for the time and stress that goes into it I think it is very fair. Not to mention I have anough interested I could probably get 30+ fawns at that price if I wanted.
 
I am doing some feeding for a local farmer because he doesnt have time. I am doing at no cost because i really just want to do a deed and i want the experience (Only my 2nd year bottle feeding). If i were to charge, i would charge $5-$8. There is lots of time spent, and patients when bottle raising these babies. Good Luck!
 
Yea he has done stuff for me so i will do in return for anyone. That is just how i am. I will be giving and recieving so it will be good for both. Good Luck again guys!
 
I charge $950/fawn, with a signed contract covering all the issues discussed in this thread. My profit, after milk, probiotics, meds, all of the inputs, when I estimate the number of hours I spend in the pens with each fawn for 90+/- days, is $.28/hour.
 
robbie i agree to do it right lots of time lots of stress i have had lots of people ask us to do it i priced some @ 500. for 90 days the tought that was a lot but the when the see my babies and they are truely dog tame they think its way to cheap just ask edwin ropp took one of my girls up to get bred this past fall he could sit on her back and ride her off trailer he could n't believe it i'am firm believer in u get what u pay for but just my thoughts W/S " JUST LIVIN THE DREAM"
 
Robbie, I have a fawn that was sucking on my finger when i pulled it and tryed giving it the bottle. It just sits there with it in its mouth. I was wondering what for tricks you may have up your sleeve? I appreciate it!!
 
Just a heads up about the experience.....this is the 7th year I have raised babies on the bottle with a very low death rate. I spend at least 6 to as much as 9 hours per day with my fawns in the beginning. Obviously as they eat less my time lessens, but I was thinking $5.00 per fawn per day would be a good "average" from birth to weaning. That includes vaccines, my supplies, my labor, etc. It WOULD NOT include vet visits if they are deemed necessary - that would be at the other gentleman's expense and discretion. And it would not include replacer.
 
Drew - when I have one sull like that, I put a shirt I wore that day in the kennel with it and let it be for a few hours, so that it is with my scent. Then when I go back to offer a bottle, I stimulate for pee and grunt to it while holding the bottle in its mouth. They will usually take right off. Rarely do I ever have one go for more than 8 hours before it will eat. That is all the trickery I know!
 

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