Whu Does BT ALWAYS Take my wifes favorite?

For the last 5 years EVERY fawn that my wife brings in and babies and spoiles always seems to be the one that dies. This year "Princalina"(09), "Febe"(08), "Tinker Bell"(07), "Pixie"(06), "Browning"(05). All ofthese were picked to be her favorites and she has lost them all. I lost the last one this morning, in my arms. Those of you that know me, my wife is ina wheelchair,so when I went to tell her, she lost it.



She and the girls are mt BEST help in the first two weeks getting them on the bottle, and careing for them while I'm working. To make a long story short, she is loosing hope and interest in helping me anymore. This was just another chapter in the book of disapointment for her. I dont know what the best words at this time should be. She has many other bottle feds, but when she looses her baby, she forgets about the rest.



What advise can you guys give her to help her over this? I will make sure she reads your remarks. I just dont want to loose "My Best" helper in this business. Thanks Jay Don

Is there a common denominator here? What were the causes of death for "Princalina"(09), "Febe"(08), "Tinker Bell"(07), "Pixie"(06), "Browning"(05)? Do you bottle raise other fawns and if so what is your track record on them? What medication protocol do you use on your newborns, ie;vaccines, vitamins,suppliments, etc?



There are many unknowns here to ask for a solution to the problem, but after reading your post it would seem to me in order to increase your odds of having a spoiled fawn survive...and I'm not being sarcastic here.....get your wife to raise and spoil 3-4 each year. At least the survival rate would be in your favor then. If you want to discuss this instead of trading posts, call me I will offer any help I can. 225-301-3159

They all get the same at birth: just ecoli, and are raised on the same milk. She just always seems to attach to one, which always contracts BT after weaning. She and the are successful with many others.

Maybe using the EHD vaccine will prevent your losses. The use of a vaccine for EHD is a necessity in the deer business these days. The vaccines available today only provide protection for a few of the many known strains of EHD and Blue Tongue. However, this protection is relatively cheap and can be incorporated into your normal maintenance program. I recommend vaccinating adult animals in February or March. This allows the bred does to develop their immunity prior to the birth of the fawns and pass some of that immunity in the form of “titer” down to the fawn through the colostrums. The fawns will still require a vaccine as well. Data suggests that administering the fawn vaccine should begin when fawns are 45 days old. EHD vaccines are given as an initial injection, followed by a booster two weeks later. After the initial injection and booster, the EHD vaccine needs to be renewed annually. Administering the vaccine to fawns on or about mid-July, should allow all of the fawns to have reached the target age of ~45 days and still have enough time to administer the follow-up booster before the midge fly concentration begins in late August. It would be conceivable to expect some fawns to have slight reactions to the vaccine. The symptoms include lethargy, and a low grade of fever, but this generally passes on it’s own without additional intervention.

My whole herd is EHD/BT vaccinated. Our bottle babies got a booster a around 50 days. I was just looking for the right words for her. She is really shook up, and dpnt understand why iy is always "Hers".

Hey Jay Don, that is a real bummer. Don't know what to say except don't give up hope. That's what keeps us going. I'm sure there was alot of fun with the fawns when you guys had them so try to remember the positives.

All I can tell you is that if you were to ask any other deer farmer about the deer they have lost, you would find it is as your case, their best or their most favorite ones. The payoff to this endeavor is when you manage to get one that you have feelings for to "make-it" and that feeling gets you through the rough times. Deer farming is a tennable endeavor and often we experience set backs. I have a friend that swears when you see a couple of deer lying in the shade or in your pen, they are discussing the various methods of committing suicide. Ha ha he may be right! I agree with Ikoff, cherish the moments that you enjoyed with your lost deer and remember, each year God will make more.

I know it don't help with the hurt, but it is true that all farms lose deer and all farms lose some of their best or favorites.

Just tell her she did a great job with the little bugger and made the little buggers short life a good one.

Thanks guys, she is doing better.

Jay Don, I'm wishing the best for you both. The death toll that we all deal with is the worst part of this industry. We too have had our share of EHD/BT problems this year including TimberMax. Just remember, with ever shut door another one does open. I have wiped many tears from my eyes in dealing with deer. Keep your chin up and if I can do anything please give me a call.

Sorry to hear about your loss, don't really know what to say other than have her take it to the Lord in prayer, he will Help

Mrs. Reed

I'm sorry for the continuing loss with your little friends. It has happened here too with two of my wifes favorites. Also with two of mine. It is heartbreaking to see something that brings much pleasure, bring such pain when there is nothing you can do to save it. It is that last look from their big brown eyes that bring the pain. You should pick another favorite, maybe one of your daughters favorites, I bet she would appreciate the attention you give her little buddy. This would be a great way to also show your daughters how to pick yourself up and move on with what you have. Our kids learn caring and sharing from us parents. Remember and always remember, death in the barn is far less than death in the home. Jeff