Observing a baby deer, its adorable appearance and graceful movements can evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity. However, determining its age can be a challenging task. Unlike humans, deer do not have birth certificates to indicate their exact date of birth. Nonetheless, by carefully examining physical characteristics and behavioral patterns, one can make an educated guess about a fawn’s age.
The most reliable indicator of a fawn’s age is its size. Newborn fawns are typically less than 6 pounds and stand about 12 inches tall. Their bodies are covered in spots that aid in camouflage. As they grow older, fawns gradually increase in size and weight. By 6 months, they may weigh up to 50 pounds and stand over 2 feet tall. The spots on their bodies begin to fade as they mature. Additionally, the development of antlers can provide clues about a fawn’s age. Male fawns (bucks) start growing antlers at around 6 months old, while female fawns (does) may not develop antlers until they are closer to a year old.
Another way to estimate a fawn’s age is to observe its behavior. Newborn fawns are often found lying in secluded areas, such as tall grass or bushes. They spend most of their time sleeping and nursing from their mothers. As they get older, fawns become more active and begin to explore their surroundings. They will start to follow their mothers on short excursions and may even attempt to nibble on grass. By the time they are 3 months old, fawns are strong enough to run and play with other fawns. They become increasingly independent and spend less time with their mothers.
Observing Size and Weight
Assessing the size and weight of a baby deer can provide valuable clues about its age. Here’s a detailed guide to help you determine the approximate age of a fawn based on its physical characteristics:
0-3 Days Old
Newborn fawns are typically very small, weighing less than 5 pounds. Their height at the shoulder is around 8-10 inches. Their fur is short and brown, with white spots that help them camouflage in the undergrowth.
4-8 Days Old
At this stage, fawns have grown slightly and weigh between 6-8 pounds. Their shoulder height is now around 10-12 inches. The white spots on their fur become more pronounced, and their legs become stronger.
9-14 Days Old
By the second week, fawns have put on more weight and now weigh around 9-12 pounds. Their shoulder height is approximately 12-14 inches. Their fur starts to take on a darker hue, and the white spots may begin to fade.
15-21 Days Old
At this age, fawns have noticeable growth spurts and can weigh up to 15-18 pounds. Their shoulder height is now around 14-16 inches. Their legs have become longer, and they are more agile and independent.
22-28 Days Old
Fawns continue to grow rapidly and now weigh between 19-22 pounds. Their shoulder height is approximately 16-18 inches. Their fur is now fully developed and takes on a reddish-brown color.
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Shoulder Height (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| 0-3 Days | Under 5 | 8-10 |
| 4-8 Days | 6-8 | 10-12 |
| 9-14 Days | 9-12 | 12-14 |
| 15-21 Days | 15-18 | 14-16 |
| 22-28 Days | 19-22 | 16-18 |
Examining the Teeth
One of the most reliable methods for determining the age of a baby deer is by examining its teeth. Deer have a unique pattern of tooth eruption that changes as they grow older. By observing the number and type of teeth that have erupted, you can estimate the deer’s age with reasonable accuracy.
Tooth Eruption Chart
The following table provides a detailed tooth eruption chart for baby deer, showing the average age at which each tooth erupts:
| Tooth | Eruption Age |
|---|---|
| Incisors (lower jaw) | 2-4 weeks |
| Incisors (upper jaw) | 4-6 weeks |
| Canine teeth | 8-12 weeks |
| Premolars | 12-16 weeks |
| Molars | 16-20 weeks |
By carefully examining the deer’s teeth and comparing them to the information in the table, you can make an informed estimation of its age.
Assessing Physical Development
Examining the physical characteristics of a baby deer provides valuable clues to its age. The following guide highlights key indicators to estimate its age range:
Size and Weight
Baby deer, known as fawns, undergo rapid growth in their early months. A newborn fawn typically weighs around 6-8 pounds and measures approximately 2 feet in height. As they grow, they gain weight and height at a steady pace.
Here’s a table summarizing the average size and weight of fawns at different ages:
| Age | Weight (lbs) | Height (ft) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newborn | 6-8 | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1 Month | 15-20 | 2.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2 Months | 25-30 | 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3 Months | 35-40 | 3.5 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4 Months | 45-50 | 4 |
| Age | Umbilical Cord |
|---|---|
| 0-24 Hours | Fresh, moist, 12-18 inches long |
| 24-48 Hours | Drying out, 6-12 inches long |
| 48-72 Hours | Dry, fallen off or almost fallen off |
Evaluating the Presence of Hair
The presence and texture of hair can provide valuable clues about a fawn’s age:
1. Newborn: Newborns are typically born with little to no hair. Any present hair tends to be short, thin, and downy, covering only certain areas (e.g., head, shoulders).
2. 1-2 Weeks: The hair starts to grow and thicken, but still retains a downy texture. It may begin to cover more of the body, extending down the back and sides.
3. 3-4 Weeks: The downy hair gradually transitions into longer, coarser guard hairs. These hairs are visible across the entire body, giving the fawn a shaggy appearance.
4. 1-2 Months: The guard hairs continue to grow and become more prominent. The fawn’s coat appears thicker and more uniform in color and texture.
5. 3-6 Months: The fawn’s coat becomes fully developed. The guard hairs are long, coarse, and may display distinct markings or patterns characteristic of the species or subspecies.
| Age | Hair Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Newborn | Little to no hair, short and thin |
| 1-2 Weeks | Downy hair growing and thickening |
| 3-4 Weeks | Downy hair transitioning to guard hairs |
| 1-2 Months | Guard hairs prominent, thick coat |
| 3-6 Months | Fully developed coat, distinct markings |
Observing the Eyes
The eyes of a baby deer can provide valuable clues about its age. Here are some key observations to consider:
- Color: Newborn fawns have blue-gray eyes, which gradually turn brown around 3-6 months of age.
- Pupils: The pupils of young fawns are dilated and appear large and black. As they mature, the pupils become smaller and more almond-shaped.
- Eyelids: Fawns born within the first few days may have swollen or closed eyelids. These typically open fully within 24-48 hours.
- Eyelashes: Newborn fawns have no eyelashes, which start to grow in around 2-3 weeks of age.
- Tear Ducts: Tear ducts develop fully in fawns around 4-6 months of age. Before this, their eyes may appear dry or slightly crusty.
- Cornea: The cornea of a young fawn is clear and transparent. As they age, the cornea may develop a slight cloudiness or opacity, especially around the edges. This is due to the development of the eye muscles and becomes noticeable around 6-8 months of age.
Age Eye Color Pupil Size Eyelids Eyelashes Tear Ducts Cornea Newborn Blue-gray Large and dilated Swollen or closed None Not developed Clear 3-6 months Brown Medium-sized Fully open Short and sparse Developing Clear 6-8 months Dark brown Small and almond-shaped Fully open Well-developed Fully developed May have slight cloudiness Determining the Behavior
Examining the behavior of a baby deer can provide additional clues about its age:
0-3 days: Clumsy and wobbly when standing or walking. Remains close to its mother and may nurse frequently.
3-7 days: Gains more coordination and can walk and run more confidently. May start exploring its surroundings with its mother.
1-2 weeks: Becomes more independent and may wander short distances from its mother. Begins nibbling on vegetation.
2-3 weeks: Socializes with other young deer and may play. Is still nursing from its mother.
3-4 weeks: Spends less time with its mother and begins foraging for food. May start developing its own territory.
4-6 weeks: Gradually weans from its mother’s milk and becomes fully independent. Follows its mother less frequently and interacts more with other deer.
Consulting with a Wildlife Expert
If you’re unsure about the age of a baby deer, it’s best to consult with a wildlife expert. They have the experience and knowledge to accurately determine the age of a fawn based on its size, weight, and physical characteristics. Wildlife experts can also provide guidance on the proper care and handling of baby deer, ensuring their well-being and survival.
Observing Physical Characteristics
There are several physical characteristics that can provide clues about the age of a baby deer:
- Size: Newborn fawns are typically about 6-12 inches tall and weigh 2-5 pounds. As they grow, they increase in size and weight at a steady rate.
- Color: Newborn fawns have a reddish-brown coat with white spots, which provides camouflage in the forest. The spots gradually fade as they get older.
- Antlers: Male fawns begin to grow antlers within a few months of birth. The antlers are small and soft at first but harden and grow in size as the fawn matures.
- Teeth: Baby deer have deciduous teeth, which are replaced by permanent teeth as they grow older. The number and condition of the teeth can help wildlife experts estimate the fawn’s age.
- Body Proportions: The body proportions of a fawn also change as they grow. Newborns have a disproportionately large head and legs compared to their body, while older fawns have more balanced proportions.
- Condition of the Umbilical Cord: If the fawn still has an umbilical cord attached, it can provide clues about its age. A fresh umbilical cord indicates that the fawn was recently born, while a dried-up umbilical cord suggests that it is several days old.
Remember, these are just general guidelines, and the specific age of a baby deer may vary depending on the species and individual circumstances.
Fawn Age Size Color Antlers Teeth Body Proportions Newborn 6-12 inches Reddish-brown with white spots None Deciduous Large head and legs compared to body 1-2 weeks 12-18 inches Reddish-brown with fading spots Small, soft antlers Deciduous Body proportions start to balance 2-4 weeks 18-24 inches Brown with few spots Antlers start to harden Deciduous and permanent teeth erupting Body proportions nearly balanced 4-8 weeks 24-30 inches Brown with no spots Antlers growing rapidly Permanent teeth fully erupted Body proportions fully balanced Referencing Deer Birthing Seasons
Deer birthing seasons vary depending on the species and location. Here are some general guidelines for different regions:
**North America**
White-tailed deer: Late October to early January
Mule deer: May to June
Elk: May to June
Moose: May to June
**Europe**
Red deer: May to June
Fallow deer: May to June
Roe deer: April to May
**Asia**
Sika deer: May to June
Eld’s deer: May to June
Japanese deer: May to June
Determining Age by Physical Characteristics
Observing physical characteristics is the most reliable way to estimate the age of a baby deer.
Size and Weight
Baby deer are typically smaller and lighter than adults. A newborn fawn may weigh as little as 4-6 pounds, while an adult doe can weigh up to 200 pounds.
Legs and Gait
Young fawns have wobbly legs and a clumsy gait. As they mature, their legs become stronger and their coordination improves.
Coat Color
Newborn fawns often have spotted or striped coats, which provide camouflage in tall grass. As they get older, their coats become more uniform in color.
Antlers and Ears
Male deer (bucks) begin growing antlers around 6 months of age. Female deer (does) do not have antlers. The size and shape of antlers can also be used to estimate age.
Ears
Baby deer have soft, velvety ears that are proportionately larger than those of adults. As they grow, their ears become more pointed and rigid.
Utilizing Size Comparison Charts
Size comparison charts provide a visual representation of how fawns grow over time. By comparing the size of a fawn to the corresponding age range on the chart, you can estimate its age with reasonable accuracy.
Here’s a comprehensive table to guide your size comparison:
Age Range (Days) Shoulder Height (Inches) 0-7 12-18 8-14 19-24 15-21 25-30 22-28 31-36 29-35 37-42 36-42 43-48 43-49 49-54 50-56 55-60 57-63 61-66 64-70 67-72 71-77 73-78 78-84 79-84 85-91 85-90 92-98 91-96 99-105 97-102 106-112 103-108 113-119 109-114 120-126 115-120 127-133 121-126 134-140 127-132 141-147 133-138 148-154 139-144 155-161 145-150 162-168 151-156 169-175 157-162 176-182 163-168 183-189 169-174 190-196 175-180 197-203 181-186 Remember, these are approximate measurements, and individual fawns may vary slightly from the average size ranges.
How To Tell How Old A Baby Deer Is
Baby deer, also known as fawns, are born in the spring and summer months. They are typically born with a reddish-brown coat that helps them to camouflage in the forest. As they get older, their coat will change to a more brown or gray color. Fawns are very dependent on their mothers for food and protection. They will stay with their mothers for several months until they are old enough to survive on their own.
There are a few ways to tell how old a baby deer is. One way is to look at their size. Fawns are born weighing about 6-8 pounds. They will gain about 1 pound per week until they are about 6 months old. After that, they will continue to grow but at a slower rate.
Another way to tell how old a baby deer is is to look at their teeth. Fawns are born with no teeth. Their first teeth will start to come in at about 2 weeks old. By the time they are 6 months old, they will have all of their adult teeth.
People Also Ask About How To Tell How Old A Baby Deer Is
How long do baby deer stay with their mothers?
Baby deer typically stay with their mothers for several months until they are old enough to survive on their own. This can vary depending on the species of deer and the individual fawn.
What do baby deer eat?
Baby deer nurse exclusively on their mothers milk for the first few weeks of life. After that, they will start to eat solid foods, such as leaves, twigs, and berries.
How can I tell if a baby deer is orphaned?
There are a few signs that may indicate that a baby deer is orphaned. These include: The fawn is alone and crying. The fawn is not nursing from its mother. The fawn is injured or sick. If you find a baby deer that you believe is orphaned, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitator.
