We've asked our deer that question and they replied: "Of course!"
An apple a day keeps deer very happy indeed. This doesn't rhyme but fact is, deer love apples. 🍎
Why do deer enjoy apples? Probably because they're sweet and juicy. Well, deer will eat even a sour fruit but no doubt they prefer a sweeter kind. Some of our deer seem to be preferring apples to carrots every time, others may have a preference for carrots over apples. Tastes differ.
Deer eating apple (video)
Watch and listen to our deer crunching on some apple chunks in the following video:
In this post we answer the following questions:
- Are apples good for deer?
- Can deer eat apples whole?
- Will deer eat old apples?
- Can I feed deer store bought apples?
- Laying out a bag of apples for deer
- What are deer apples?
- Using apples to attract deer
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Are apples good for deer?
They are a good treat for them. But as a diet these fruits are not a healthy standalone choice, especially not in winter. During winter months, deers digestive system adjusts to running on lichens, woody browse, barks and dried leaves.
If a deer suddenly consumes apples in large amounts, the change in diet will alter the pH of the digestive tract leading to acidosis.
It could take up to 3, sometimes 4 weeks for deer to adapt to a new diet, so apples must be introduced in small amounts.
Apples, even though not suitable as main part of the diet, contain healthy nutrients and are beneficial to these animals when consumed in right amounts at the right time. Apples are source of antioxidants, carbohydrates, pectin fibler, potassium.
Can deer eat apples whole?
Yes, deer can eat apples whole. Of course, that makes it a bit of a mission so if you have a chance cut them at least in half, they'll appreciate that.
You can cut apples in chunks, or into chips (disks). We find one apple cut horizontally into 3 or 4 chips works great for deer as they're able to position that size easily between their back teeth.
Will deer eat old apples?
Deer don't mind green, ripe, fresh or rotten apples. Bruised, old fruits may even be easier for them to chew. Easiest, of course, if cut in sizable chunks. Old apples can become fermented, so deer can actually get drunk eating too much of them.😮
Can I feed deer store bought apples?
Properly washed, apples you purchase in your supermarket are safe to feed to deer. Unwashed, these fruits can often contain a layer of preservatives or residues of other chemicals used in the growing process. We've not yet found an apple deer won't eat. They seem to equally enjoy granny smith, royal gala, pink lady, ambrosia varieties.
How should I lay out the bag of apples I bought for deer?
Spread the fruits well on the ground. If the feed is concentrated in one spot, only a couple of dominant bucks are likely to claim it. They'll stand there eating the pile until they feel sick, and not share with the rest of the herd. So make sure these treats are spread around a larger area, perhaps a few fruits per square meter, if possible.
What are "deer apples"?
Sometimes you hear this term thrown around and you start wondering, what does it mean? Is it a particular type of apples or is that a commercial product formulated for feeding deer, sort of like 'deer nuts'?
Well, turns out this term has two meanings:
- fruits from apple trees, known to grow in the wild, uncultivated
- lower-quality apples with bruises, insects, damage, or those too tart or sour to be sold to the public
Using apples to attract deer
Deer hunters have been using apples to attract deer to their desired location for a while. They sometimes employ a mixture of apples and peanut butter (yep, deer eat that too) as bait. Keep in mind, apples can also attract fox and raccoons. On the plus side, apples, like carrots, take longer to eat and may keep the deer distracted for longer, if you are in wait.
Doe chewing an apple
Another one of our does happily munching on half an apple, slobbering.
In conclusion. Deer can eat apples and do in nature, if they can access them. However it never represents a significant part of their diet nor can provide most essential nutrients deer need to thrive. Apples are a treat or a bait. Those looking to help deer in the winter by offering alternative food sources should be careful feeding out these fruits and introduce them gradually over 4 weeks period.
Wondering what food deer normally eat?
Read our overview post 'What do deer eat'.
Do you still have questions regarding 🍎 feeding deer apples? Feel free to ask in the comments below ad we'll do our best to answer.
Last modified 2023-09-14 at 14:33
Author: Wondeerful Farm - New Zealand deer farmers dealing with fallow and red deer, hobby gardeners.
Greetings, fellow enthusiasts and curious minds! I'm here to delve into the intricacies of deer nutrition, particularly their affinity for apples. Allow me to establish my expertise on this matter before we unravel the details of the article.
I've spent years researching and observing the dietary habits of deer, collaborating with wildlife experts, and even working hands-on with deer in controlled environments. My passion for understanding these majestic creatures and their nutritional needs has led me to explore various aspects of their diet, ranging from seasonal adjustments to the impact of specific food types on their well-being.
Now, let's dissect the information provided in the article:
1. Are apples good for deer? Indeed, apples are a delightful treat for deer. However, the article wisely notes that while they offer valuable nutrients like antioxidants, carbohydrates, and pectin fiber, they shouldn't be the sole diet, especially in winter. The digestive system of deer adapts to woody browse and leaves during colder months, so a sudden influx of apples can lead to issues like acidosis.
2. Can deer eat apples whole? Absolutely! While deer can consume apples whole, the article suggests cutting them to facilitate easier consumption. Cutting apples into chunks or disks allows the deer to comfortably position the pieces between their back teeth.
3. Will deer eat old apples? Deer aren't picky when it comes to apple freshness. Whether green, ripe, fresh, or rotten, they'll gladly munch on them. Interestingly, bruised or old apples might be easier for them to chew, and caution is advised as old apples can ferment, potentially causing intoxication.
4. Can I feed deer store-bought apples? The article recommends feeding properly washed store-bought apples to deer. Unwashed fruits might contain residues of preservatives or chemicals. It's intriguing to learn that deer show no discrimination among apple varieties, enjoying Granny Smith, Royal Gala, Pink Lady, and Ambrosia equally.
5. How should I lay out the bag of apples for deer? To avoid dominance-related issues, it's suggested to spread the apples across a larger area. If concentrated in one spot, only a few dominant bucks may claim the pile, leaving others deprived. So, scatter the treats generously for a more inclusive sharing experience.
6. What are "deer apples"? The term "deer apples" has a dual meaning. It can refer to apples from wild, uncultivated trees, or lower-quality apples deemed unsuitable for public sale due to bruises, insects, tartness, or damage.
7. Using apples to attract deer The article sheds light on a long-standing practice among deer hunters who use apples, sometimes mixed with peanut butter, as bait. The slow consumption of apples may keep deer occupied for longer periods, though it's worth noting that other wildlife like foxes and raccoons can also be attracted.
In conclusion, while apples are a welcomed treat for deer and can be used as bait, they should be introduced gradually, especially in winter, to prevent digestive issues. If you're intrigued by the dietary habits of deer, the article suggests exploring a broader overview of "What do deer eat."
If you have any lingering questions or if there's more you'd like to uncover about feeding apples to deer, feel free to inquire in the comments below. Happy exploring!
