Deer and Chickens

[paith041]

We have a lot of deer that roam into our backyard. Or should I say, just jump the measly chain link fence into the backyard. The chickens were out over the weekend in the yard and I'm wondering if one got in the way of a deer. I found her dead this morning and she had what looked like a lot of internal bruising on her belly.

There were no bite marks or puncture wounds of any kind so all I can think of is that she may have either gotten too close to a deer or was nearby when one jumped the fence and perhaps landed on her or kind of trampled her. I can't imagine one just kicking her if she got too close. Has anyone seen that happen before? They are in fawn right now and I know we have one very protective momma deer that comes into the yard quite frequently. Just wondering if I should limit their free ranging until later when the deer may not be set to attack mode.

 

[chfite]

The chicken may have startled the deer; and it kicked in response.

Chris

 

[Mickey Lou 04]

We have a lot of deer, and I know that they do kick pretty hard. (I've seen does fight when the yearling try to chase the fawns off) They also have a blind spot so perhaps that's what happened.

 

[daisymaemoses]

Deer dont kick, they strike with their front hooves and head butt...if there was a doe with fawn (s) she may have attacked the chicken if it got to close by striking at it with her front hooves or head butting it or both...if she used her front hooves though she would probably have some lacerations as the hooves are so sharp they can eviscerate a human or another critter...if it was just bruising them most likely headbutting the poor thing into the ground...sorry for your loss

Katherine