Deer antler key ring

THE DEER ANTLERS OF CHAMBORD

The Chambord forest is a mythical universe offering numerous natural resources (oak wood, birch sap, deer antlers, etc.).

For several years now, Chambord has been committed to making the most of its natural resources through innovative and 100% French creations.

Antlers are large, branched bony organs found on the heads of animals such as the deer and most of the representatives of its family, the cervids. In the case of the Chambord deer, only the male has antlers. The antlers fall off towards the end of winter (the deer's moulting period) and grow back each year to reach full development during the rutting season (September - October).

During this season, better known as the rutting season, the bucks compete to show their strength. When two males start a fight their antlers clash. This protects their heads as long as the antler-to-antler contact is maintained, and no injury can be inflicted.

The branches of the antlers are called horns and antlers. Although the antlers fall off, their size increases with each regrowth and thus indicates the age of the animal.

The fallen antlers are collected shortly before spring and then transformed into authentic objects and jewellery. The carpenters of Chambord make the objects in a traditional way in order to perpetuate the traditional excellence of French know-how. All of the objects produced by this process are part of the castle's range of exceptional products and are certified as coming from the National Estate of Chambord.