Sterilize deer and elk anther. Heat or boiling

[Rexie]

It is best to sterilize by oven heat or boiling water??

[pixiepoo]

I boil mine for 4 hours. My guys love them even more after boiling (no clue why). :)

[flyer girl]

Boiling it kills any bacteria that can be harmful to our squirrels.. 4 hours..

[Daisey007]

OK... just call me uninformed about deer antlers but why is it necessary to 'sterilize' them? I understand 'good and clean' but sterile? Perhaps they contain a bacteria that's actually beneficial to them...? Will someone please tell me what I'm missing regarding deer antlers?

:thinking

[vlchan]

It is best to sterilize by oven heat or boiling water??

Mine loves hickory sticks to!!

[Rocky1]

After boiling mine, I let then air dry and cool off at room temperature for 24 hours. I put mine on a cookie rack, pasta strainer, or similar CLEAN surface. This may be excessive, but I err on the side of caution since the middle of the bones can become very hot.

[Rexie]

Thanks for the reply's.... so oven heat does not do the trick then huh?

[Rexie]

OK... just call me uninformed about deer antlers but why is it necessary to 'sterilize' them? I understand 'good and clean' but sterile? Perhaps they contain a bacteria that's actually beneficial to them...? Will someone please tell me what I'm missing regarding deer antlers?

:thinking
I don't know, can't answer that