Understanding Antlers Shedding: Nature’s Renewable Resource
This article explains the natural process of antler shedding, where deer and moose naturally lose and regrow their antlers each year.
10/16/20242 min read
Antlers are one of nature's most fascinating renewable resources. Unlike horns, which are permanent, antlers are shed and regrown every year. This natural process occurs in deer, moose, and other members of the cervid family, making it a completely sustainable and cruelty-free way to source antler materials.
How Does Antler Shedding Work?
Male deer and moose grow antlers annually as part of their mating rituals. Antlers start to grow in the spring and are covered with a soft, nutrient-rich tissue called "velvet." This velvet supplies blood and nutrients to the antlers, helping them grow rapidly during the summer months. By autumn, the velvet is shed, and the fully formed antlers are hard and ready for the mating season.
After the breeding season, in late winter or early spring, antlers are no longer needed and are naturally shed. Hormonal changes cause the tissue at the base of the antler to weaken, leading the antlers to fall off. This process is completely painless for the animal, and new antlers begin to regrow shortly afterward.
Why is Antler Shedding Important?
The fact that antlers are naturally shed every year makes them a cruelty-free resource for products like dog chews, crafting supplies, and home decor. Shed antlers can be collected from forests and wild areas without harming any animals, offering an ethical alternative to materials that may otherwise be sourced from animal farming.
At Antlers House, we take great care in sourcing only naturally shed antlers, ensuring that our products are sustainable and animal-friendly. Each antler is hand-selected, cleaned, and crafted into unique items, from dog chews to jewelry.
Benefits of Using Shed Antlers
Sustainable: Antlers regrow every year, providing a continuous supply of renewable material.
Ethical: No animals are harmed in the process of collecting shed antlers.
Versatile: Antlers are used in a variety of products, from dog chews to handmade crafts and decor.
Rich in Nutrients: For pets, antlers are packed with minerals like calcium and phosphorus, making them a healthy, long-lasting chew.
Antlers' natural shedding cycle is a testament to the resilience and beauty of wildlife. By choosing products made from naturally shed antlers, you are supporting sustainable practices and respecting nature.
