Will deer eat kiwi fruit? - The Institute for Environmental Research and Education

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Will Deer Eat Kiwi Fruit? The Definitive Guide

Will deer eat kiwi fruit? The answer is potentially, but it’s unlikely they will be a deer’s first choice. Deer prefer browsing on more readily available and palatable food sources like leafy greens, tender shoots, and readily available fruits.

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Understanding Deer Diets: An Overview

Deer are opportunistic herbivores with a broad diet that shifts depending on the season, food availability, and regional preferences. They are primarily browsers, meaning they prefer to eat leaves, twigs, shoots, and buds from woody plants, but they also consume fruits, nuts, seeds, and agricultural crops. Knowing what deer typically eat helps understand if kiwi fruit fits their dietary profile.

The Appeal (or Lack Thereof) of Kiwi Fruit to Deer

Kiwi fruit presents a mixed bag regarding deer appeal. While deer are known to sample a wide variety of foods, several factors might make kiwi fruit less attractive compared to other options:

Fuzzy Skin: The fuzzy skin of a kiwi can be unappealing to deer. They might find the texture irritating or simply prefer smoother-skinned fruits.
Acidity: Kiwi fruit can be quite acidic, especially before it is fully ripe. Deer typically prefer sweeter or less acidic food sources.
Availability: In many areas, kiwi fruit is not a naturally occurring food source. Deer are more likely to browse on plants and fruits they are familiar with and readily accessible.

Factors Influencing Deer Predation on Kiwi Fruit

Despite the general low appeal, there are circumstances in which deer might consume kiwi fruit:

Food Scarcity: If other food sources are scarce, deer may become less selective and more willing to try new or less desirable foods, including kiwi fruit.
Regional Differences: Deer populations in different regions can develop unique dietary preferences. If a deer herd is in an area where kiwi fruit is readily available and other options are limited, they may develop a taste for it.
Curiosity: Deer are curious animals and may sample unfamiliar foods out of curiosity, even if they don’t find them particularly palatable.

Protecting Your Kiwi Plants From Deer

Even though will deer eat kiwi fruit? isn’t a guaranteed yes, protecting your plants is a wise precaution. Here are some common methods:

Fencing: A sturdy fence at least 8 feet high is the most effective way to keep deer away from your kiwi plants.
Netting: Drape netting over your kiwi vines, especially when the fruit is ripening.
Deer Repellents: Various commercial deer repellents are available, including sprays and granular products. Reapply regularly, especially after rain.
Companion Planting: Plant deer-resistant plants around your kiwi vines. Strong-smelling herbs like lavender, rosemary, and sage can deter deer.
Motion-Activated Sprinklers: These sprinklers detect movement and spray a burst of water, startling deer and discouraging them from approaching your plants.

Understanding Deer Behavior

To effectively deter deer, it’s important to understand their behavior:

Feeding Patterns: Deer are most active at dawn and dusk.
Travel Routes: Observe where deer are traveling to know where protection is needed.
Habituation: Deer can become accustomed to deterrents over time. Rotate your methods regularly to maintain their effectiveness.

Comparing Deer-Resistant Fruits to Kiwi

Here’s a table comparing kiwi to other fruits that are less appealing to deer:

Fruit	Deer Resistance	Reason
—————	—————	———————————————
Kiwi Fruit	Low-Moderate	Fuzzy skin, acidity, availability
Citrus Fruits	Moderate-High	Strong scent, acidic taste
Figs	Moderate	Milky sap can be irritating
Persimmons	Low-Moderate	Sweetness can be appealing when ripe
Blackberries	Moderate-High	Prickly canes and tartness deterrent

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why are deer eating my other plants but not my kiwi vines?

Deer have particular preferences and will target the most palatable and easily accessible food sources first. If other plants in your garden are more appealing, they are likely to be browsed on before the kiwi vines. The presence of abundant alternative food can keep them away from kiwi.

What happens if deer eat unripe kiwi fruit?

Eating unripe kiwi fruit can cause digestive upset in deer due to its high acidity and enzyme content. It might not be fatal, but it could lead to temporary discomfort, reducing the likelihood they will return to eat it again.

Are certain varieties of kiwi fruit more appealing to deer than others?

It’s unlikely, but there’s limited research on this. Most kiwi varieties share similar characteristics regarding skin texture and acidity, which are the primary deterrents for deer. Deer may show preference based on ripeness and sweetness; however, other food sources are more appealing.

How can I tell if deer are the ones eating my kiwi fruit?

Deer typically leave uneven, jagged edges on leaves and fruit they browse. You may also find deer tracks or droppings near your kiwi vines. Distinct bite marks on the fruit are a sign they’ve sampled it.

Should I be concerned if deer are only nibbling on the kiwi fruit and not eating the whole thing?

Nibbling suggests curiosity rather than a sustained preference. Deer may be sampling the fruit to see if they like it. This behavior often occurs when food is scarce, or when deer encounter something new in their environment. Implementing deterrents will reduce nibbling.

Are there any natural predators of deer that I can attract to my property to protect my kiwi plants?

Attracting predators isn’t practical in most residential settings and poses other risks. Focus on deterrents designed for deer rather than altering the local ecosystem. Predator urine is a commonly used deer repellent.

How often should I reapply deer repellent spray on my kiwi plants?

Reapply deer repellent spray every 2-4 weeks, or more frequently after rain or heavy watering. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the product label.

What is the best type of fencing to keep deer away from my kiwi plants?

A woven-wire fence at least 8 feet tall is generally considered the most effective. The fence should be sturdy and well-maintained to prevent deer from jumping or pushing through it.

Can I use a dog to deter deer from eating my kiwi fruit?

A dog can be an effective deterrent if it’s persistently present and trained to chase deer away. However, you need to consider your dog’s safety and the potential impact on other wildlife. Check local ordinances before allowing your dog to chase wildlife.

Is it safe to use human hair or soap to deter deer from eating my kiwi fruit?

Human hair and soap are often cited as home remedies, but their effectiveness is inconsistent. They may provide temporary relief, but deer can quickly become habituated to them. Commercial repellents are typically more reliable.

Will growing my kiwi plants in a greenhouse protect them from deer?

Yes, growing kiwi plants in a greenhouse is a highly effective way to protect them from deer and other pests, as it provides a physical barrier. Greenhouses also offer environmental control advantages for kiwi cultivation.

If I have deer eating my kiwi fruit, does it mean other plants in my garden are also at risk?

Potentially, yes. If deer are sampling your kiwi fruit, it suggests they are actively browsing in your garden. Monitor your other plants and consider implementing broader deer deterrent measures to protect your entire garden from damage.