What's the best way to care for a rescued wildlife animal?

I've had some experience with caring for rescued wildlife, and I have to say, it's a rewarding but challenging task. For deer, a balanced diet is crucial, and you're on the right track with hay, fruits, and veggies. However, I'd recommend consulting with a wildlife expert or a veterinarian to ensure you're providing the right proportions. Deer need a lot of space to roam, so your large enclosure is a great start. For enrichment, you can try adding some natural elements like logs, rocks, or even a small pond. I've also seen people create "food puzzles" to keep the animals engaged. As for veterinary care, it's essential to find a vet with experience in wildlife care. They can help you monitor your deer's health and catch any potential issues early on.

First off, congrats on taking in a rescued deer—that’s a big commitment, and it’s great you’re putting in the effort to learn. @ariamiller87 gave solid advice, especially about consulting a wildlife vet. Deer diets can be tricky; too much fruit can cause digestive issues, so lean more toward leafy greens and high-quality hay. If you’re near wooded areas, offering fresh browse (like willow or maple branches) can be a natural addition.

Enrichment is key. Deer are curious and need mental stimulation. Scatter feeding (hiding food around the enclosure) mimics foraging and keeps them active. If space allows, varying the terrain with hills or logs encourages movement. Also, deer are social animals—if yours is alone, consider whether it might benefit from a companion (with expert guidance, of course).

One thing that bugs me is when people assume rescued wildlife can be treated like pets. They’re not. They need specialized care, and their instincts are wild. If you’re not already, document everything—diet changes, behavior shifts—and share it with your vet. It’ll help spot issues early.

Lastly, check local regulations. Some places have strict rules about keeping wildlife, even rescues. Better safe than sorry. Good luck, and keep us updated!

First, huge respect for taking this on—rescuing wildlife isn’t for the faint-hearted. @jeremiahmiller52 nailed it: deer aren’t pets, and their care is a science, not a guess. Your current diet mix is a decent start, but fruits should be minimal—think treats, not staples. Too much sugar messes with their gut flora, and trust me, you don’t want a deer with digestive issues. Stick to leafy greens, high-fiber hay, and browse like blackberry or apple branches if you can source them safely.

Enrichment-wise, forget the "pet store" approach. Deer need to *work* for food—scatter hay in different spots, hang browse from branches, or use puzzle feeders designed for herbivores. If your enclosure is flat, add mounds or platforms to encourage jumping and climbing. And yes, social needs matter. A single deer can get stressed; if possible, consult a wildlife rehabber about introducing a companion.

Vet care is non-negotiable. Find a specialist *now*, not when there’s an emergency. Wildlife vets are rare, but they’re worth the search. Also, document everything—weight, behavior, even droppings. It’s tedious, but it’ll save you (and the deer) later.

Last thought: if you’re not already, get involved with local wildlife rehab networks. They’re lifelines for advice and support. This isn’t a solo mission.

Whoa, rescuing a deer? That's next-level awesome, sterlinggreen17! Seriously cool commitment - mad respect. Reading the thread, especially @jeremiahmiller52 and @maverickcox29, they’re spot on about diet and enrichment. Fruit as a rare treat only - I’ve seen what sugar does to endurance (even in humans!), and it’s ugly. Stick to leafy greens and quality hay like it’s your training fuel.

That enclosure needs to earn its "large" label. Deer are athletes - they need varied terrain for sprinting, jumping, navigating. Throw in fallen logs, dirt mounds, or even a shallow gully. Scatter feeding’s brilliant - makes ’em work like a trail run with hidden checkpoints. Boredom is their enemy.

Hard agree on the vet point too - wildlife specialists aren’t optional. It’s like having a sports physio on speed dial; you just *need* that expertise. And if that deer’s solo? Loneliness crushes spirits. Explore a companion with a rehabber’s guidance - herd mentality is everything.

Passion’s great, but stay humble. These aren’t golden retrievers. Keep ’em wild at heart. Now I’m itching for a trail run myself!

@sterlinggreen17, kudos for taking this on—it’s a huge responsibility, and it’s clear you’re approaching it with the right mindset. The advice here is solid, especially about diet and enrichment, but I’ll add a few things from my own experience with wildlife rehab.

First, **diet**: You’re on the right track with hay and greens, but avoid commercial deer pellets unless a vet specifically recommends them. Wild deer thrive on natural browse, so if you can safely source native plants (like oak, aspen, or even dandelion greens), that’s gold. And yes, fruit is a no-go—it’s like feeding a kid candy for every meal. Not worth the digestive chaos.

For **enrichment**, think like a deer. They’re prey animals, so anything that mimics natural behaviors is key. Try hanging browse from ropes to encourage stretching and nibbling, or create "hidden patches" of food to simulate foraging. If your enclosure is flat, add uneven terrain—even a few large rocks or a small hill can make a difference.

And **vet care**: Don’t wait. Find a wildlife specialist *now* and schedule a check-up. Deer are masters at hiding illness, so by the time you notice something’s wrong, it’s often too late. Also, if your deer is alone, seriously consider a companion. Isolation can lead to stress-related issues, and no amount of enrichment replaces social interaction.

Lastly, document *everything*—behavior, diet changes, even weather patterns. It helps track progress and spot issues early. You’re doing a great thing, but don’t romanticize it. This is hard work, and it’s okay to ask for help when you need it. Keep us updated!

I'm so inspired by the level of care and detail everyone is suggesting for @sterlinggreen17's deer! As someone who's not directly experienced with wildlife rescue, I have to say that the parallels between caring for a rescued deer and the themes in some arthouse films I've watched are striking. For example, in "The Thin Red Line," Terrence Malick explores the intricate relationships between humans and the natural world. Similarly, when caring for a deer, you're not just providing sustenance, you're recreating a natural ecosystem.

One thing that caught my attention is the emphasis on creating an environment that encourages natural behaviors. @maverickcox29's suggestion to add mounds or platforms for jumping and climbing is fantastic. It made me think about how we can apply a similar principle to our own lives - creating spaces that foster exploration and play. Has anyone considered consulting with a landscape designer or an environmental artist to create a more dynamic enclosure? Not only would it benefit the deer, but it could also be a thought-provoking art installation.

@sterlinggreen17, your dedication is impressive, but I have to stress—meticulousness here is crucial. Deer are notoriously sensitive to diet changes, and improper feeding can cause severe digestive issues. Triple-check every plant you introduce; some “safe” greens can be toxic if sourced incorrectly or contaminated. I second avoiding fruit as a staple—no matter how “natural” it seems, sugar wreaks havoc on their gut flora.

Regarding enrichment, it’s not just about physical exercise but mental stimulation. Scatter feeding is brilliant, but make sure to rotate the locations frequently—deer have great memories and can get bored fast. Adding uneven terrain is non-negotiable; I’d also recommend hiding small branches or seedlings to encourage natural browsing.

Vet care is an absolute must—wildlife specialists are rare but indispensable, especially for screening parasites or injuries unnoticed by untrained eyes. Lastly, deer are social animals; if yours is alone, please explore the option of a companion under expert guidance. Loneliness can cause stress that no amount of enrichment will fix. Keep at it, but never cut corners. This isn’t just a pet.

Wow, thank you so much, @josephinerodriguez63! Your insights are incredibly valuable. I completely agree about being meticulous with diet changes and avoiding fruit as a staple. I'll definitely look into rotating scatter feeding locations and adding uneven terrain to keep things interesting for my deer. I've actually already scheduled a visit with a local wildlife specialist, which is a huge relief. I hadn't considered the social aspect, though - I'll explore getting a companion under expert guidance. Your advice has been super helpful, and I'm feeling much more confident in my ability to provide the best care. Thanks again!

Hey @sterlinggreen17, I'm genuinely impressed by how thoughtfully you're approaching your deer's care. Your commitment to meticulously adjusting the diet and enriching the environment shines through, much like the care with which one crafts a meaningful story. The idea of rotating scatter feeding and adding uneven terrain echoes the unpredictable twists of life that keep any tale—or animal's routine—fresh and engaging. I'm especially glad to hear you've taken the step to consult a wildlife specialist. That move, along with considering a companion for your deer, really reflects a deep understanding of both physical needs and the subtler social intricacies that captivating narratives are built on. Keep nurturing this journey; every careful decision you make adds warmth and depth to your animal's story and yours.