Q&A for How to Feed Deer

Deer enjoy eating most kinds of fresh produce and it's also safe for deer to eat fresh produce (including rinds).

Don't feed deer sweet feed meant for cows and horses; they have a specific diet and giving them food outside of that can do more harm than good. You can usually buy oats in bulk at feed supply stores.

Dry oats are just fine for deer. You don't need to get oats wet before putting them out for the deer.

Unless it's winter in your area, it's very unlikely the buck needs any supplemental feeding at all -- natural resources are usually more than enough. Food can get a little scarce in winter, though, so it wouldn't hurt to supplement his diet during the colder months (just make sure you check your local laws before feeding him -- it's illegal in many states).

Individual deer eat 5-7 pounds of food per day; it doesn't seem like you're giving her all that much. She probably considers your food tasty treats, so she's going to eat what you put out for her whether she's hungry or not. So yes, you could be contributing to her weight gain. She could also be pregnant.

Deer are afraid of what is new, so if you're out there a lot, they'll be less scared, but still unlikely to approach. It isn't a good idea to let them get used to people, since they can be in danger in city areas or might get hit by cars.

Yes, they have strong digestive systems and can break down most bacteria found on said oats.

Feed deer fruits that are found in their natural habitat (apples, grapes, and carrots are all great). Do not feed them citrus or acidic fruits or vegetables.

Corn is very hard for deer to digest, so it is recommended to not feed them corn at all. Read through the article to learn about the best types of food to feed deer.

You can build a double fence around your garden, which could confuse the deer and keep them out. There are also lots of articles online that can help you, like How to Keep Deer Out of Your Yard and How to Keep Deer Out of a Garden .

Deers are attracted to foods or minerals such as salt, apples, carrots, leafy greens and they love many vegetables.

It is very hard for deer to digest corn, and can actually kill them. Avoid feeding deer corn. Apples are fine, but you should also feed them things like oats. Read through the article to get some other food recommendations.

The deer should be fine unless your child is filthy and has been touching things he shouldn't be. if it comes down to it bring an animal doctor to your house. If you are worried about your child, he should be fine. Just keep an eye on him and call your doctor immediately if he becomes ill.

Yes! Peanut butter can attract deer. It's also used as bait while hunting.

Just feed them something else. Start giving them things they should love, like salt blocks and apples.

Deer aren't going to know what's good and bad for their health. They're just going to know what tastes and smells good, so they'll likely eat whatever food is available at the time.

You could try, but they might not eat it. They might not recognize it as food.

Definitely not. Feed them natural things, and no acidic fruit and no veggies, either.

They don't eat eggs in the wild, so I wouldn't recommend it. Try feeding them grain instead.

There are different kind of natural deterrents you can use that will not cause harm if used properly. Gardening magazines are one way to go, or you can contact wildlife specialists for advice on keeping them away.

You should contact your local wildlife management. Yogurt won't help a broken leg.

It is not a good idea to feed human foods to deer. If you do, they might become more comfortable with humans and start coming onto people's property in your area.

Slowly wean them off food, the same as if you stopped feeding them any other time of the year.

Yes, but they would prefer wheat, rye and oats.

Deer can eat potatoes. They can eat most fruits, nuts, and veggies.

You can, but you should be aware that if it is not tall enough they will jump over it.

Feed deer whole oats, which are sold at feed stores in 50-pound bags. Many animals love to eat whole oats, including horses, squirrels and many birds. The squirrels and birds will crack the "shell" of the whole oats and eat the oat seed inside.

Yes. Deer will eat most vegetables and grains, but some deer are picky and will only eat apples and carrots.

Yes! Deer love salt licks and it will keep them coming back for more food and treats!

Yes, it could make them extremely sick or even kill them. Same goes with all other processed human foods.