This article explores the dietary habits of deer, focusing specifically on their ability to consume apples. Deer, being herbivorous animals, rely on plant matter for sustenance. While they prefer natural vegetation, they are opportunistic feeders and readily include fruits like apples in their diet.
This article examines the nutritional value of apples for deer, their natural inclination towards consuming fruits, and the potential impacts of incorporating apples into their diet. By understanding the relationship between deer and apples, we gain insight into their adaptability and the effects of human interactions on their feeding patterns.
What are Deer Apples?
“Deer apples” is a term commonly used to refer to apples specifically provided or used as a food source for deer. These are typically apples that are intentionally placed or left out in locations where deer frequent, such as feeding stations, hunting areas, or wildlife habitats. Deer apples are often used as bait to attract deer for observation, hunting, or wildlife management purposes.
Deer apples are primarily used as a means to attract and observe deer or manage their populations in specific contexts, such as hunting or wildlife conservation.
Can you feed deer apples?
Yes, deer do consume apples. Deer will actually consume practically any fruit, and sure deer eat apples. Deer like grapes, small plums, pumpkins, pears, watermelon, carrots, tomatoes, and peas in addition to apples. In fact, providing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables helps to guarantee that the deer are eating a diet that is very nutrient-dense.
Are apples good for deer?
Apples are acceptable as a rare treat for deer when consumed in moderation. Large quantities, on the other hand, are a different matter because apples, which are rich in natural sugars, might overwhelm deer’s digestive systems. However, deer aren’t capable of properly digesting apples.
Deer may also stray from their usual diet if they are fed an abundant supply of apples, possibly leading to nutritional deficits.
We frequently contrast feeding apples to deer with giving candy to children. A little bit is fine, but too much could be problematic.
How much do deer love apples?
Whitetail deer enjoy apples a lot and will eat a lot of them when they are available. I have observed a few instances where deer appear to disregard apples, but those occurrences are uncommon, and there is typically another problem causing the deer to avoid the apples.
In fact, if you’ve ever been to an apple farm, you might have seen that the tree limbs have been cut off from the bottom of the tree trunk and that the ones that are closest to the ground are 10 to 12 feet up. This trimming procedure is carried out on purpose in an effort to prevent deer and other animals, like as bears, from getting to the ripe apples. In order to prevent a deer or bear from reaching the lowest limb of apples, apple producers typically clip the lower limbs.
Do deer eat apples whole?
Yes, deer can consume whole apples. Of course, it makes it somewhat of a mission, so if you have the opportunity, try to reduce them by at least half.
Should I cut up apples for deer?
Deer have no trouble devouring the entire apple!
Will deer eat old apples?
Green, ripe, fresh, or rotten apples are all acceptable to wild deer. It might even be simpler for them to chew bruised, old apples. Obviously easiest if sliced into substantial parts. Deer can actually become intoxicated from eating too many apples that old because they can ferment.
Can I feed deer store-bought apples?
Most deer experts agree that store-bought apples are suitable as a treat for deer as long as you wash them sufficiently to eliminate any potential chemicals used in the growing process and only give them to the animals in tiny amounts.
Can deer smell apples?
These creatures will enter your yard only by smelling an apple tree. Even apple trees with no fruit, according to some experts, can attract them. Even though it may take up to eight years for certain apple kinds to produce bear fruit, a deer may be drawn to the plant just by fragrance.
Can deers eat apples in winter?
The trouble with winter is that there isn’t much food available for deer to eat. During a season when consuming twigs, dry leaves, and other lifeless-looking roughage, apples become a rare treat.
You would believe that since deer do consume apples, feeding them throughout the winter would be beneficial. That’s not the case, though. A deer’s digestive tract adjusts to the less abundant conditions throughout the winter. In the animal’s intestines, specialized microbes grow, making it simpler for deer to digest woody foods.
Can deer get drunk on apples?
Yes! Deer can actually become intoxicated from eating too many old apples because they can ferment.
How many apples can a deer eat in a day?
In summary, a deer’s ability to consume a certain number of apples every day depends on a variety of variables, including availability, hunger, and the particular deer’s appetite. However, if apples are available, a deer eat apples several of them per day on average. It’s vital to remember that deer need a variety of vegetation for good nutrition, and apples shouldn’t make up their whole diet.
What kind of apples do deer like the most?
Deer typically like apple cultivars that are sweeter. Red and yellow kinds including Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Fuji, and Gala are some of the more well-liked options. These apple types tend to draw deer because of their sweet flavor and fragrant aroma. It’s crucial to keep in mind that different deer may have different preferences, and they may eat other apple kinds if they are available.
What happens when a deer eats an apple?
- Nutritional intake: Deer derive nutritional benefits from consuming apples. Apples are a source of carbohydrates, vitamins (such as vitamin C), and minerals (such as potassium). These nutrients contribute to the deer’s overall health and energy levels.
- Digestion: After ingestion, the apple is broken down in the deer’s digestive system. The process begins in the mouth, where the deer chews and breaks down the apple into smaller pieces. The smaller pieces then move to the stomach, where digestion continues with the help of stomach acids and enzymes.
- Absorption of nutrients: During digestion, the nutrients from the apple are extracted and absorbed through the deer’s digestive tract. The carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals present in the apple are utilized by the deer’s body for various functions, including energy production, growth, and overall health maintenance.
- Waste elimination: As the nutrients are absorbed, indigestible components of the apple, such as fiber and cellulose, pass through the deer’s digestive system and are eliminated as waste in the form of feces.
Overall, when a deer eat apples, it obtains nutritional benefits, contributes to its energy levels, and experiences the normal digestive processes involved in extracting and utilizing those nutrients.
Using apples to attract deer
Using apples to attract deer can be an effective strategy for observation, hunting, or wildlife management purposes. Here are some tips for using apples to attract deer:
- Select a suitable location: Choose an area where deer are known to frequent, such as near their natural habitats, feeding areas, or travel routes. Look for signs of deer activity like tracks or droppings.
- Placement: Scatter apples on the ground or use feeders to distribute them. Ensure they are easily accessible for deer to find and consume.
- Timing: Consider the time of year and deer activity patterns. Apples may be particularly effective during times when natural forage is scarce, such as late fall or winter. Early morning or evening feeding times can also increase the chances of attracting deer.
- Freshness: Use fresh apples for better results. Deer have a keen sense of smell, and the aroma of fresh apples can be more enticing to them.
- Quantity: Provide enough apples to attract deer but avoid overfeeding or creating dependency. A reasonable amount of apples should be available, but they should supplement a diverse diet rather than becoming the sole food source.
- Monitoring: Keep an eye on the feeding area and observe deer behavior. Adjust the quantity and placement of apples if necessary, based on the response and preferences of the deer.
Remember that using apples to attract them should be done responsibly and in accordance with local regulations and guidelines. It’s essential to avoid creating negative impacts, such as habituation to human presence or over-concentration of deer in a specific area.
More on feeding deer
Giving deer corn or alfalfa in their natural forms or animal feed manufactured with these ingredients is a common error.
Corn is essentially empty calories because it doesn’t offer much nutrition to deer. Worse, a deer can be fatally poisoned by eating too much maize. Too much corn can result in acidity and bloating, which frequently result in death.
Deer will readily consume alfalfa-based feed even though they cannot digest it. Alfalfa-stuffed deer have been known to starve to death.
Deer, as opposed to cattle, who are grazers, are browsers, which explains why. The distinction is significant; grazers consume low-lying plants that grow along the ground as well as grasses (corn and other grains are simply grass seeds). Browsers don’t eat grass; they eat leaves and fruits.
What do deer eat?
Deer consume a variety of vegetation, fruits, nuts, and vegetables as they are herbivores. One of a white-tailed deer’s diet’s mainstays is:
- Grass
- Various plant leaves and stems
- Apples
- Blueberries
- Blackberries
- Acorns, nuts, and chestnuts
- Persimmons
- Mushrooms and other fungi
How to feed deer
1. Food plot
A food plot is a fantastic technique to feed deer. This is a tactic that hunters frequently use, but it also works to draw deer for observational purposes. You plant apple seeds in a location in the hopes that they will grow into plants that deer will naturally choose to consume.
There are many pre-made seed mixtures available, including this one, which includes a variety of seeds for plants that deer enjoy eating. In the long run, you’ll have a very productive area of land that deer will come to every year, even though it might take some time for the plants to mature sufficiently to feed the deer.
2. Deer feeders
Using a deer feeder is yet another fantastic strategy to get deer to your yard or property consistently. One major benefit of these feeders is that you can dependably forecast when the deer will arrive because you can arrange them to disburse the food at the same time every day.
3. Feeder blocks
A feeder block is an economical, low-maintenance method of luring deer to your yard. Acorns are a natural component of a deer’s diet and they offer a lot of nourishment, so this is an excellent option.
4. Salt licks
Any animal’s diet must contain salt, although it can be difficult to find in the wild. A reliable approach to drawing deer is to hang out a few salt licks. You won’t have to worry about the health of the deer as you do with deer feeders, and it will also attract a lot of deer.
5. Leaving food out
You can also simply go outside and scatter some food if you don’t want to try any of the aforementioned strategies or simply can’t wait for your new deer feeder to arrive. The best options include fruits and vegetables including apples, carrots, and snap peas. They are well-liked by deer and won’t upset their digestive systems.
Catch deer on camera
You don’t want to let the opportunity slip by undocumented once you’ve gone to the work of luring deer to your yard. Furthermore, given that deer are more active in the early morning and late evening, there is a significant probability that the majority of them enter your yard undetected. As a result, it’s likely that your feeders are functioning properly without your knowledge.
Grab a few trail cameras, place them around the yard, and aim them toward the feeder or the area where you’re dispersing food to address the problem. These cameras are motion-activated, and any deer that enters your yard will automatically have a video recorded.
Best time to feed deer
Winter is a challenging time for deer. It’s difficult for them to obtain enough food to eat when their natural food sources become increasingly scarce. Because of this, providing a lot of extra food throughout the winter can have a greater impact than simply luring deer to your land. It may determine whether those deer make it through the season.
Don’t only deer feed in the cold, though. Because deer have sensitive digestive systems, you should always leave supplemental meals out for them so they have time to grow used to it.
What Deer Love to Eat?
Apples are a common food item for deer, and using apples in a deer feeder is quite safe.
Apples give deer a pleasant treat and a significant nutritional boost. Apples, however, cannot be adequately ingested by deer. Deer typically only consume them near the conclusion of the winter because of this.
Near the conclusion of the winter, try to fill apple feeders for deer. During the winter, they’ll benefit more from foods that are simple to digest.
Apples are a common food item for deer, and using apples in a deer feeder is quite safe.
Other Common Food Items
Do Deer Eat Fruit?
Yes, it is the answer.
Deer are non-picky creatures. They will consume just about anything in the wild, including weeds, grass, flowers, seeds, nuts, fruit, and vegetables. They will even eat twigs and other woody plants as snacks when there is a severe lack of food.
Deer will most likely consume it as long as it is not meat. Not all fruits and vegetables are beneficial for them, though.
Do Deer Eat Oranges?
A deer’s diet doesn’t typically include oranges. Oranges are also out of a deer’s reach until they hit the ground, similar to apples. But deer may consume them safely. The deer can survive because to the abundance of water and vitamins in them.
Oranges offer a comparable amount of nutrients and are simpler for deer to digest than apples. If oranges are plentiful in the winter, you can use them in your feeders without endangering the deer.
Do Deer Eat Tomatoes?
Deer do indeed adore tomatoes. They are a tomato grower’s greatest nightmare, in fact. They will easily damage entire tomato plants if they can get into your produce.
But if you enjoy feeding deer, it can be a good thing. Deer adore tomatoes, and they are cheap. Additionally, deer may eat them and remain in excellent health.
Tomatoes can be placed in deer feeders all year long without having an adverse effect on the local deer population. Just be careful not to feed them too much.
Do Deer Eat Carrots?
Carrots are one of the best foods to feed deer because they are consumed by them. Carrots may be easily digested by a deer’s stomach and give the animal all the nutrition it needs to survive.
Although carrots are a respectable substitute for commercial feed when you run out, they are not superior to specially-made deer food.
Do Deer Eat Bananas?
Bananas will be consumed by deer, but it is preferable to provide them seeds, nuts, and other items that they would normally consume. Although deer can get plenty of potassium and fiber from bananas, they don’t get much else from them. The best usage of bananas for your neighborhood deer herd is as an occasional treat.
Do Deer Eat Peanuts?
Deer adore peanuts because they are full of fiber, protein, and other minerals. They are a woody plant that a deer’s stomach may easily digest. Peanuts are an excellent alternative if you’re not going to invest in a dedicated deer feeder.
It would be challenging for you to find enough peanuts in a cost-effective manner because deer need a lot of peanuts to receive the nutrients they need. You can’t go wrong with peanuts in your deer feeder, price apart.
Do Deer Eat Potatoes?
Potatoes are not properly digested by deer.
While potatoes won’t actually kill a deer by producing acidosis, they will fill the deer’s stomach to capacity and stay there. Deer will progressively starve to death if there is no place for things that they can truly digest.
Do Deer Eat Strawberries?
One of a deer’s favorite foods is strawberries.
They are quite tasty and offer some nutrition to deer. Although it’s bad news for strawberry growers, it does mean that you can add a limited quantity of strawberries to your deer feeders without risk. Just be mindful not to overdo it. Nuts and veggies will be more beneficial to deer.
Do Deer Eat Pears?
Deer enjoy pears just as much as they do wild apples, and they are equally as good for deer.
But they’re difficult to digest. Therefore, you must exercise the same prudence that you would with apples. Aim to give them pears around the end of the winter, but be careful not to overfeed them.
Do deer eat oatmeal?
Aside from specially developed deer pellets, coarsely milled oats are perhaps the greatest diet you can give deer. It might seem strange at first that they would eat porridge if you threw a chunk of it on the grass, but they will lick uncooked oat flakes off the ground if you sprinkle them. Finally, it can take some time because the food in the bowl is not exactly what wild animals are used to.
Do Deer Eat Pumpkins?
Yes, deer do consume pumpkins, along with summer squash and zucchini. They are able to consume the entire fruit, including the peel, seeds, and intestines. Deer enjoy eating pumpkin plants as well.
Considerations When Feeding Deer
When feeding deer, there are a few things to take into account.
If you do it incorrectly, you risk legal trouble and serious harm to any deer that consumes your offerings. You must be familiar with the local legislation. Many states will prosecute you if you attempt to feed deers as bait for hunting.
The sanctions might be rather severe if you are discovered using this unfair hunting technique. But not all states have that issue. You only need to check the local legislation in your area.
In general, feeding deer may be prohibited. It’s crucial for you to check your local rules before you put any form of food out for deer because of a number of factors that I’ll go over shortly.
One of the main causes for states banning deer feeding completely is the risk of disease transmission from feeders. The hunting community is very concerned about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), which is impacting deer all over the country. Deer are more likely to spread disease to one another because deer feeders frequently draw herds of deer.
Another dangerous condition brought on by feeding is acidosis. However, it can be almost fully avoided by giving deer the correct foods.
Last but not least, think about how much food you place in your deer feeders.
Deer should consume no more than 4 pounds of food each day; overconsumption can be fatal. Determine the anticipated number of deer using your feeders and fill them appropriately.
Alternatives To Using Corn In A Deer Feeder When Feeding Deer
You already know that one of the worst things you can put in your deer feeders is maize. It is a food that is prohibited in many regions because it might have fatal effects on deer that consume it throughout the winter.
Therefore, you might be asking what you can use instead of corn.
In a feeder, soybeans, protein pellets, and cotton seeds are all excellent substitutes for corn. They are nourishing, and deer can properly digest them. Bulk purchases can be made relatively cheaply as well.
You can also use different nuts like peanuts, acorns, and others in your feeders, but doing so can be very expensive and some of them need specialized feeders.
Whatever you choose to use, make sure that it includes a sufficient amount of fiber and few to no carbohydrates.
Foods high in carbohydrates and poor in fiber will have the same negative effects as corn and will harm the deer population in your area.
Additionally, keep an eye out for commercial deer-specific feeding items. Typically, alfalfa, seeds, and other fibrous plants are used to make them.
The healthiest and safest food supplements available are these, and buying them in bulk won’t break the bank.
Deer Deterrent
- Fencing: Install a tall and sturdy fence around the area you want to protect. Deer are less likely to jump over a fence that is at least 8 feet tall.
- Repellents: Use commercial deer repellents that emit strong odors or taste deterrents. Apply these products on plants or surfaces to make them less appealing to deer.
- Scare devices: Utilize scare devices such as motion-activated sprinklers, noise-making devices, or visual deterrents like scarecrows to startle and deter deer.
- Natural barriers: Plant deer-resistant vegetation, such as plants with strong scents or prickly textures, to create a natural barrier that deer are less likely to eat.
- Reflective tape or netting: Hang reflective tape or netting around your property or garden. The flashing or moving reflections can deter deer.
- Repellent plants: Incorporate deer-resistant plants in your landscape, such as lavender, yarrow, or sage, which deer are less likely to browse.
Remember that no method is entirely foolproof, and effectiveness may vary depending on the deer population and the specific circumstances. It may be necessary to combine multiple deterrent methods for better results.
Deer Damage
- Plant damage: Deers are known to feed on a wide range of vegetation, including crops, gardens, and ornamental plants. They can browse on leaves, shoots, flowers, and fruits (fruit trees), causing significant damage to vegetation.
- Bark stripping: During the winter months when food is scarce, deer may resort to stripping bark from apple trees and shrubs, which can lead to tree decline or death.
- Trampling: Deer can trample and damage plants, especially in areas with high deer populations. This can result in the destruction of young seedlings, gardens, or landscaped areas.
- Fencing damage: In their attempts to access food sources, deer can damage fences by jumping over or attempting to squeeze through them.
- Disease transmission: Deer can transmit diseases such as Lyme disease through ticks that they carry, potentially posing health risks to humans and other animals.
Preventing or mitigating deer damage often involves a combination of strategies, including the use of deterrents, fencing, and landscaping with deer-resistant plants. It’s important to consider the specific challenges posed by local deer populations and adapt management approaches accordingly.
FAQs
1. Can I feed deer store-bought apples?
Store-bought apples are generally safe to feed deer. Apples are known to be consumed by deer as part of their natural diet, and they can gain from the nutrients they offer.
2. Can deer digest an apple?
Despite having a varied diet and a somewhat strong digestive system, deer nevertheless have their limitations. Apples are okay in moderation, whether they are foraged or purchased from a store. However, the high sugar content of the apples may cause some digestive discomfort in deer if they consume significant quantities of them. Additionally, apples have relatively little actual nutritional benefit for deer, as was already mentioned.
3. Can You Cow Proof a Deer Feeder?
Not totally, however, steps like raised feeders and narrow entry points can lessen the impact of cows.
4. How Long Does It Take Deer to Find Corn?
Deer have a keen sense of smell and can travel great distances before smelling maize. Researchers and biologists studying deer are unsure of the precise range at which deer can detect the aroma of corn, but given that deer have stronger senses of smell than bloodhounds, it is probably safe to infer that they can do so from a distance of up to several hundred yards.
5. Do Deer Eat Dog Food?
A modest amount of dry dog food won’t harm deer, but due to the long-term health risks, neither dry nor wet dog food is advised for use as a food source for deer. Dog food has relatively little nutritional benefit for deer, in addition to the potential health risks.
6. Do Deer Eat Meat?
Reports of deer consuming a dead rabbit exist. These incidents are uncommon, though, as the majority of deer eat just plant material.
7. Which is Better: Winter Wheat or Rye for Deer Food Plots?
The best option for deer feeding plots might vary depending on a number of conditions, but both winter wheat and rye are excellent choices.
The final decision between winter wheat and rye may be influenced by the environment, the soil, the number of deer, and individual preferences. To ascertain which choice would be more suited to your particular location and goals for the deer food plot, think about seeking advice from regional specialists or agricultural extension organizations.
Conclusion
Apples can be eaten by deer and are frequently a part of their diet. Apples are a desirable food item for deer since they have a sweet flavor and valuable nutritional value. Although apples can be used to attract deer for observation or management purposes or to provide extra food to deer, it’s crucial to keep in mind that apples shouldn’t make up a deer’s whole diet. For deer to receive the correct nutrition, a wide variety of flora, including grasses, leaves, and various forbs, is required.