How to Make Homemade Deer Feed: A Comprehensive Guide
Creating your own deer feed is an effective way to supplement their diet, especially during harsh weather or when natural food sources are scarce. This guide explains how to make homemade deer feed that’s both nutritious and attractive to deer, using readily available ingredients and simple techniques.
Why Consider Homemade Deer Feed?
Supplementing the diet of deer, especially during winter, can have significant benefits for their health and overall population. While natural foraging is ideal, providing a supplemental food source can help deer maintain their weight, improve their reproductive success, and increase their chances of survival during challenging times. However, it’s crucial to remember that supplemental feeding should be done responsibly and ethically, minimizing the risk of dependency and disease spread.
Benefits of Homemade Deer Feed
There are several compelling reasons to consider making your own deer feed:
- Cost-Effectiveness: Commercial deer feed can be expensive. Homemade options often utilize readily available and cheaper ingredients.
- Control Over Ingredients: You have complete control over what goes into the feed, ensuring it’s free from unwanted additives or fillers.
- Customization: You can tailor the feed to meet the specific nutritional needs of the deer in your area, depending on the season and availability of natural forage.
- Environmental Responsibility: By sourcing ingredients locally, you can reduce your environmental footprint.
Ingredients for Homemade Deer Feed
A well-balanced homemade deer feed should contain a mix of carbohydrates, protein, fats, and essential minerals. Here are some common and effective ingredients:
- Corn: An excellent source of carbohydrates for energy. Whole corn, cracked corn, or dried corn on the cob are all viable options.
- Oats: A good source of fiber and energy, and deer generally find them highly palatable.
- Soybeans: Rich in protein, crucial for muscle development and overall health. Roasted soybeans are a safe and palatable option.
- Alfalfa: Provides essential vitamins and minerals, particularly during the winter months. Alfalfa hay or pellets are readily available.
- Molasses: Adds sweetness, improves palatability, and acts as a binding agent. Blackstrap molasses is particularly nutritious.
- Mineral Supplements: Deer require a variety of minerals, including calcium, phosphorus, and salt. A commercially available deer mineral supplement is highly recommended.
- Apples and Carrots: Offer a natural source of vitamins and minerals and can enhance the feed’s attractiveness.
Creating Your Homemade Deer Feed Mix
The specific proportions of ingredients will depend on your location, the time of year, and the specific needs of the deer in your area. However, the following table provides a general guideline:
| Ingredient | Percentage | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | ———- | ———————————————————————– |
| Corn | 40% | High in carbohydrates for energy |
| Oats | 20% | Provides fiber and additional energy |
| Soybeans | 15% | Excellent source of protein |
| Alfalfa | 15% | Vitamins and minerals, especially important during winter |
| Molasses | 5% | Improves palatability and acts as a binding agent |
| Mineral Supplement | 5% | Provides essential minerals like calcium, phosphorus, and salt |
Mixing the Feed:
- Combine all dry ingredients (corn, oats, soybeans, alfalfa, and mineral supplement) in a large container, such as a clean trash can or a wheelbarrow.
- Gradually add molasses, mixing thoroughly to ensure it’s evenly distributed.
- The mixture should be slightly moist and clumpy, but not overly wet.
Best Practices for Feeding Deer
- Establish Feeding Sites: Choose locations that are easily accessible to deer and provide some protection from the elements.
- Start Small: Begin with small amounts of feed and gradually increase the quantity as deer become accustomed to the new food source.
- Monitor Consumption: Observe how much feed the deer are consuming and adjust the amount accordingly.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Regularly clean feeding sites to prevent the spread of disease.
- Provide Water: Ensure deer have access to a clean water source, especially during winter.
- Respect Regulations: Check local regulations regarding deer feeding, as some areas may have restrictions or bans.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overfeeding: Providing too much food can lead to dependency and nutritional imbalances.
- Using Spoiled Ingredients: Avoid using moldy or rotten ingredients, as these can be harmful to deer.
- Ignoring Mineral Needs: Failing to provide adequate mineral supplementation can result in health problems.
- Sudden Dietary Changes: Introduce new feed gradually to allow deer to adjust.
- Feeding in Areas with High Deer Density: Concentrating deer in small areas can increase the risk of disease transmission.
Considerations for Winter Feeding
During winter, deer require more energy to stay warm and active. Supplementing with high-energy foods like corn and oats can be particularly beneficial. Consider increasing the proportion of these ingredients in your homemade deer feed during the colder months. Always ensure that deer have access to fresh water, even when temperatures are below freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the primary nutritional needs of deer?
Deer require a balanced diet that includes carbohydrates for energy, protein for muscle development, fats for energy storage, and essential vitamins and minerals for overall health. Different nutrients are crucial at different times of the year; for instance, does benefit from protein boosts when pregnant or lactating.
How often should I feed deer?
The frequency of feeding depends on the availability of natural food sources and the severity of the weather. Generally, it’s best to provide a consistent supply of feed throughout the winter months, but avoid overfeeding. Starting small and monitoring consumption is the best approach.
Can I use kitchen scraps to feed deer?
While some kitchen scraps, like apple cores and carrot peels, can be a supplemental treat, it’s important to avoid feeding deer processed foods, meat scraps, or anything high in salt or sugar. A balanced diet with dedicated feed is far more effective than relying on household scraps.
Is it legal to feed deer in my area?
Regulations regarding deer feeding vary by location. It’s crucial to check with your local wildlife agency to determine whether it’s legal to feed deer in your area and if there are any specific restrictions.
Will feeding deer make them dependent on me?
Excessive or prolonged feeding can lead to dependency, which can be detrimental to deer in the long run. Supplemental feeding should be viewed as a temporary measure to help deer through challenging times, not as a permanent solution.
What are the risks of feeding deer?
Feeding deer can increase the risk of disease transmission, alter their natural behavior, and lead to overpopulation in certain areas. Responsible feeding practices are essential to minimize these risks.
How do I prevent deer from becoming too reliant on my feed?
To prevent dependency, gradually reduce the amount of feed you provide as natural food sources become more abundant in the spring. Avoid feeding deer during the summer months, when they should be able to forage on their own.
What is the best time of year to start feeding deer?
The best time to start feeding deer is typically in late fall or early winter, when natural food sources begin to dwindle. Monitor weather conditions and forage availability to determine when supplemental feeding is necessary.
What types of mineral supplements are best for deer?
Commercially available deer mineral supplements are formulated to provide the specific minerals that deer need, such as calcium, phosphorus, and salt. Choose a supplement that is specifically designed for deer and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application.
How do I prevent other animals from eating the deer feed?
To minimize consumption by other animals, consider using deer feeders that are designed to restrict access to smaller creatures. Raising the feeder off the ground can also help to deter unwanted visitors.
Is it okay to use salt licks for deer?
Salt licks can be a beneficial supplement for deer, providing essential minerals like sodium. Ensure the salt lick is designed for wildlife and placed in an area that is easily accessible to deer.
How does chronic wasting disease (CWD) impact deer populations when feeding occurs?
Supplemental feeding sites can exacerbate the spread of CWD, a fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, and moose. The close proximity of deer at feeding sites increases the likelihood of transmission through saliva, urine, and feces. Consider consulting with your local wildlife agency to understand CWD risk in your area.