06/05/2026
We received 127 fawn calls yesterday — this goes on EVERY day during fawn birthing season. We took in 5. At least 90% of the calls we get are for healthy fawns that do not need rescuing but people want to check to make sure the fawn does not need help! WE DEFINITELY APPRECIATE THE CALLS!
Some of the main reasons for their calls:
The fawn is super skinny and can’t stand up! Fawns are born super skinny — skin draped over bones! This is normal!!!!!! They are pretty weak and only walk a few steps before laying down for another nap.
There is no mama in sight. Doe’s give birth, clean the fawn, feed them and then bed them down. Mama will leave the fawn in an area for 3-4 days. She IS there but does not stay with the fawn!
CURLED EAR TIPS ARE NOT A SIGN OF ANYTHING, except that the fawn is young.
“I haven’t seen a mama all day”. Mama deer will only come to feed the fawn when there is no commotion and she doesn’t detect a predator. She does NOT come on command when the fawn cries — she will come when SHE feels it’s time and the area feels safe.
“The fawn is crying”. This is normal. It’s how mama finds the fawn. Mama will also call out to the fawn. Until the fawn learns the routine they will cry out for hours sometimes. If it’s been more than 4 hours it’s time to assess the fawn’s condition so we will ask the finder to approach the fawn so we can ask questions.
“The fawn is following us”. It takes about 4 days for a fawn to bond with mama. They only see her for a short time several times a day. The only thing they know is mama is warm and she comes with food. So when the fawn gets hungry they will follow you, a dog, a chicken, etc looking to be fed. PLEASE DO NOT FEED THE FAWN! You can offer a bowl of water but NEVER milk in a bottle. Also, please do not dump water down their throat!
Most of the time the fawn is perfectly healthy but always contact a FAWN rehabber to go over the signs of distress. Don’t listen to people who just tell you to “leave it be” without going over the signs of distress.
The fawn will need help if:
The fawn is on his side
The fawn has flies buzzing around it
The fawn has wounds
The fawn has deep depressions beside the eye
The fawn has been crying for more than 4 hours straight (not a sign of abandonment but it’s time to contact a fawn rehabber)
