135
The point at which fawns can survive on their own depends on their individual development and the environmental conditions. You can find all the information here
When fawns can survive on their own
The first few weeks of a fawn’s life are crucial for its survival and future independence. During this phase, they are heavily dependent on their mother.
- Fawns are usually born in spring and are completely dependent on their mother for the first few days.
- In the first few weeks, fawns feed exclusively on their mother’s milk, which provides them with all the nutrients they need.
- The deer protects its fawns from predators and instructs them to hide in the tall grass to remain undetected.
- After just a few days, the fawns begin to explore their surroundings. However, the animals always stay close to their mother.
- In the first few weeks, the young animals develop important survival skills such as recognizing danger and finding food.
From then on, the independence and autonomy of fawns begins
The transition to independence is a gradual process in which fawns gradually learn to survive on their own. The point at which they achieve this depends on various factors.
- At around three to four weeks, fawns begin to eat solid food such as grass and herbs in addition to their mother’s milk. From the sixth to eighth week, they reduce their dependence on their mother’s milk and thus become more viable.
- The mother teaches her fawns how to avoid predators and find their own food. This training phase is crucial for the survival of the offspring.
- After about three months, fawns can theoretically survive on their own, although they often stay with their mother for some time longer to continue learning.
- Fawns are usually fully independent at around four to six months and can survive on their own. This is especially true if they live in a safe environment with sufficient food.
- If you find a fawn, it is best to leave it untouched. Its mother is often nearby and will come back to look after it. If the fawn is in danger, inform a wildlife expert or forester.