The majority of Fallow deer fawns are born in May and June (weighing approximately 4.5 kg.) although births can continue up to the end of September. Usually a single fawn is born. Twins are rare, occurring in about 1% of all pregnancies.

At birth they can be as varied in colour as the adults but all will be spotted to a greater or lesser degree.

Fallow deer are similar to Red and Sika in that they are a herding species. However, the composition of the herd varies according to the time of the year.

For most of the year there will be two distinct groups; one of adult females with yearlings and fawns, the other of bucks living away from the does. The groups then rejoin for the rut. It is only during the rut that Fallow deer display any territorial behaviour. 

Fallow Deer ...

Natural Habitat & Feeding

Fallow deer can be found in a variety of habitats but have a preference for deciduous and mixed woodland.

Fallow deer are classed as grazers or non-selective bulk feeders although they will browse upon trees and shrubs as well. The diet will vary upon where the animal is located, for example in the New Forest heather makes up a large proportion of the winter diet.

In Autumn, Fallow deer will feed heavily on acorns when available as well as other fruits, nuts and fungi. The majority their diet consists of grass and herbs with additions of heather, conifer, holly and bramble. Plants which have been found not to be eaten by Fallow deer include ragwort, foxglove and stinging nettle.

Like most deer, Fallow deer seem to get their water mostly from what they eat or from dew - they are rarely seen drinking. Fallow deer can be seen feeding at all times of the day. The main feeding activity takes place around dawn and in the late afternoon or evening. Between these times the Fallow deer find an undisturbed place to ruminate and chew the cud.

During the rut large bucks may stop feeding completely and a loss of condition will often result. Younger bucks hanging around on the fringes will continue to eat as normal. When disturbed while out feeding, animals will follow the dominant doe of the group back into cover, all moving off in a distinct pecking order of dominance.

Mature bucks in the group will generally move off in a different direction and not follow the doe. Before moving out into an open area to feed, small, cautious groups will form just inside the trees of a forest or wood, wearing away quite a noticeable path, only venturing out once they are sure it is safe to do so.