Antler staying good? How long?

[Hillbilly]

I know a lot of animals and birds will try and peck and nibble on the antlers for Calcuim. But how long will it take for them to dispose it all or do they put it all down or they take what they need and let the earth/soil take the rest.

[KANSAN]

Re: Antler staying good? How long?

A lot of it depends on where the shed is dropped, and how many minerals are needed by the rodents in the area. I tend to see less chewing on antlers dropped in open spaces, such as pastures, fields with short grass, or any areas away from trees. The rodents that chew on the antlers many times are nervous to venture out into open areas like this, as they risk getting picked off by hawks, owls, and other predators. I notice that antlers dropped in woodlots have much more chewing.

As far as how long it will take them to dispose of the antler, it could be as short as a few weeks or as long as several years. I've picked up sheds that still have the wax ring and look very, very fresh - yet they've been chewed on a great deal already. I think most animals that chew on them take what they need, and let the elements do the rest.