We have been farming Dybowski Sika deer (C. nippon hortulorum) since April 2001. We were part of Advanced Deer Genetics (ADG), a partnership which imported genetic material from Poland. ADG imported embryos from Dybowski Sika hinds, as well as semen from Dybowski Sika, Polish Red and 3/4 Maral stags. ADG has since disbanded.

The only deer we have on our property now have F4 (93.75%) to Pure Dybowski Sika deer genetics.

We have farmed Red, Fallow and Elk deer in the past (mainly Red). Sika, like other deer breeds, have their own behavioural characteristics. As so often happens with anything involving the natural world, it is impossible to find any two “identical” examples. This webpage simply outlines bits of our journey and what we have found interesting. Our limited stock numbers mean that many of our assumptions/observations are fairly subjective but make for an interesting conversation.

We are very mindful of our responsibility to our land and our stock.  Deer farming requires the installation, monitoring and maintenance of good fencing at all times.  As with any farming enterprise, healthy stock depend upon effective pasture management, timely stock rotation, quality supplementary feed (if required) and access to a reliable, clean water supply.  A well-designed set of yards and stock handling facilities will assist in keeping both the deer and the operator safe. It is also important to have a good working relationship with your local vet.  

Before making any livestock purchase, you need to be able to (at least) understand what you are looking for when eyeballing an animal.  Hopefully, this website will help in this regard if you are interested in buying Sika.  We can organise a tissue analysis test (at the buyer’s expense) if buyers want to check an animal’s genetic background. 

The Deer Industry Association of Australia (DIAA) has an excellent website which provides lots of helpful information about deer farming generally.  Becoming a DIAA member benefits both deer farmers and the deer industry.

Again, we cannot stress enough the importance of controlling the movement of any farmed animal. Good fences are critical for the management of your stock.

Please note, all the photos and videos on this site have been taken by me on our property. Some of them are over 20 years old. Photos and videos are not to be reproduced.

Sika deer can only be farmed in Victoria and South Australia.

N.B. Each sub-section of “Identification” has seven pictures except for Tissue Sampling.