anyone have (or have a source) for shed antlers?

[DirtyCoconuts]

I have four dogs that all chew a lot and i used to get three or four full antlers a season but unfortunately my friend's father passed and they sold their hunting lands and i am not able to pay the pet store prices for a sliver of antler when Pete uses the large ones as toothpicks

if anyone finds a lot of shed on their land or has a pile they don't need, I would love to buy some if you have any to spare-

if there are any hunters on here, i am not squeamish if there is skull attached from a failed mount or what ever....just looking for good chews


thanks all!!!

[estación seca]

I had a dog break a molar tooth chewing an antler. $$$$ The vet said not to give dogs things so hard.

[Keysguy]

If I come across any in my woods travels, I'll let you know DC.

Want a better use??????
A member of the NHOS (he actually lives in Maine) uses antlers and skulls as mounts for his miniature orchids. And they grow phenomenally well!!!!!! We're all thinking it has something to do with the constant access to calcium.

Not to mention it makes a great conversation piece!

[Orchid Whisperer]

I'm with E.S. on this one. Another chew should be considered.

A dog I had once developed dental problems including cracked molars (chewing bones rather than antlers, but also hard; my first dog, I didn't know better). He had to have a few molars removed all at once. Very expensive. Your vet can give advice on good chewable options to suit your dog.

[DirtyCoconuts]

They recommended the antler (as opposed to bone) something about the risk vs reward of the pieces of rubber or the tooth pull from rope

They are tough mouthed mutts. GSD, jack Russell, Rotty and doby.

I had one of those 4’ rope toys that is like 1.5” thick.

It was a shredded mop of threads and spit in two days....


I have limited options.

[Subrosa]

I find them occasionally. If you want a consistent source, a local farm raises European red deer and sells shed antlers:
Rolling Hills Red Deer Farm

[DirtyCoconuts]

Amazing subrosa! Thank you.

I’ll call them tomorrow!

[WaterWitchin]

I'm with ES and OW on this one... just because you haven't had an issue yet doesn't mean you won't. Folks say, Well, but dogs in the wild eat bones all the time. Dogs in the wild tend to also have a much shorter lifespan than our domesticated friends. Having raised Dobermans, Rotts, German Shepherds, Great Danes, and now a Great Pyre... not a good idea over the long haul.

Benebone, Kong Xtreme, GoughNuts are three I'd recommend for strong chewers.

Caveat on Great Pyre... Miss Kitty is a LGD, not a house dog, and eats the occasional possum, raccoon, etc. We don't give her chew toys... she chooses her own.

---------- Post added at 07:57 AM ---------- Previous post was at 07:56 AM ----------

PS The standard poodles aren't given bones either. And have a pretty tough mouth. But didn't figure they would be very impressive comparisons... they're poodles, dontcha know?

[DirtyCoconuts]

ive seen a pick up truck bed with three bloody faced poodles surrounded by a pile of dead rodents. they are BAD A$$, not fancy to me.


i will ask my vet again but she was pretty clear that deer antlers were not going to be an issue bc they can get soggied and soften when they work them


kong is laughable i don't know the other two but i will check them out right away


thanks guys!

[WaterWitchin]

Antlers are better than bones by a long shot. So we do agree on that point. I guess I'll put another caveat on the antlers thing... IF the dog isn't an overly aggressive chewer (like wanting to attempt to crack it in two from the get-go, instead of gnawing and chomping away) and/or you pay attention to the hardness of the antler, I've let my dogs chew them.

Just wasn't trying to get into too much detail. Did you know some places sell antler based on "soft, medium, and hard core?" Avoid hard core regardless. And know when it comes to dogs, I'll get on my soapbox fairly readily... much moreso than about orchids.

---------- Post added at 10:34 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:33 AM ----------

Yes, some poodles are foo-foos. Mine are badass when needed, and lovers when needed. Best of both worlds.