If you've ever been strawberry picking, you know that the sweet, red fruit is a favorite among deer. Deer will eat just about any type of berry, but strawberries seem to be their favorite. While this may not be news to some people, it's something that a lot of gardeners are still trying to figure out – how do they keep the deer from eating all their strawberries? There are a few things you can do to help protect your plants from hungry deer. Read on for tips on deterring deer from your strawberry patch.
Why do deer eat strawberries?
We all know that deer love to eat plants and flowers. But have you ever wondered why they like strawberries so much? Here are a few reasons:
- The sweetness: Deer adore sweet fruit, and there's no doubting that strawberries are sweet. Sugar is one of the main attractants for deer when it comes to food. They'll often choose foods that are high in sugar content over other options because they enjoy the taste.
- The smell: Strawberries also give off a strong scent, which can be appealing to deer (and other animals). This is due largely in part to their terpene content - which contribute to the fruit's pleasant aroma.
- Strawberry flavor : Not only do strawberries smell good, but they also taste great! Deer seem especially fond of the unique flavor profile of this fruit, likely due in part again to its high sugar content as well as certain volatile compounds such as ethyl esters (which provide fruity flavors) and phenolic compounds (which lend strawberries their characteristic tartness).
Nutritional benefits of strawberries for deer
Strawberries are not only delicious, but they're also nutritious and good for deer. Here are some of the nutritional benefits that strawberries offer:
Vitamin C - Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C, which is important for deer maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin C is also an antioxidant, helping to protect deer cells from damage.
Folate - Folate is a nutrient that's important for cell growth and development. It's especially important during periods of rapid growth, such as when deer are pregnant or adolescence. Deer need folate to help them grow and develop properly.
Potassium - Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and fluid balance in the body. It's an essential mineral that deer need in order to stay healthy.
What type of strawberries do deer like to eat
There are many different types of strawberries that deer like to eat. Some of the most popular varieties include: Chandler, Honeoye, and Seascape. Each type of strawberry has its own unique flavor and texture that deer find irresistible. Here is a closer look at each variety:
Chandler Strawberries: These berries are large in size with a deep red color. They have a sweet taste with just a hint of tartness. Deer love to eat them fresh off the vine or gently cooked in pies and jams.
Honeoye Strawberries: These berries are smaller than Chandlers but they pack a big flavor punch! They are bright red in color with an incredibly sweet taste. Deer will often seek out these berries first when given the choice between different types.
Seascape Strawberries: These berries are large and sweet with a slightly softer texture than other varieties. They're a favorite among deer because of their easy to eat nature.
The best way to feed strawberries to deer
If you're looking to add a little variety to your deer's diet, why not try feeding them strawberries? Here are some tips on the best way to feed strawberries to deer:
- Start by picking out ripe, fresh strawberries. Wash them thoroughly and cut off any green tops.
- Place the berries in a bowl or shallow dish so that the deer can easily reach them.
- If you have multiple deer, it's best to put out several bowls of berries rather than one large bowl. This will prevent fighting over food and ensure that everyone gets their fair share.
How do deer eat strawberries?
Deer are not shy about enjoying a meal of strawberries. They will often eat the entire strawberry, stem and all. Here's how it works:
The deer first uses its tongue to pluck the berry off the plant. Then, it curls its lips back so that the fruit is held in front of its teeth. Using incisors at the front of its mouth, along with molars in the back, deer then bites down on the strawberry and crushes it before swallowing.
When do deer eat strawberries?
Deer will eat strawberries throughout the year, but they are especially fond of them during the summer months when the berries are ripe and plentiful. If you live in an area where strawberries grow naturally, you're likely to see deer munching on them in your yard or garden.
The best time for deer to eat strawberries is early in the morning or late at night when it is cool and the fruits are ripening on the plants.
Where do deer eat strawberries?
Deer will eat strawberries wherever they can find them. This includes in the wild, in people's yards and gardens, and even at farms where strawberries are grown.
Are strawberries dangerous for deer to eat?
No, strawberries are not dangerous for deer to eat.
- Strawberries are an excellent source of Vitamin C. Just one serving provides over 140% of the daily recommended value! This vitamin is essential for boosting immunity and helping the body fight off infection.
- They're also packed with antioxidants, which help protect cells from damage and reduce inflammation throughout the body. Studies have shown that these nutrients can even help improve brain function and cognitive performance.
- So, not only are strawberries safe for deer to eat, but they're good for them too.
- Deer can safely eat strawberries every day. Incorporating them into their regular diet can help improve their overall health and well-being. If you're concerned about overfeeding your deer
How to prevent deer from eating strawberries?
- Don't plant strawberries where deer congregate. If you must, build a fence around the strawberry patch (but make sure it's high enough to keep out determined jumpers).
- Try using netting or row covers over the plants to keep deer from getting to them in the first place.
- Apply commercial repellents according to package directions; reapply as needed after rainfalls or if heavy dew is present on foliage early in the morning hours when deer are most active feeding (dawn and dusk). Deer will eventually become accustomed to any odor unless it changes frequently, so don't expect miracles from any one product for more than two weeks at best without re-application.You may have better success with products that contain putrescent egg solids or predator urine like coyote, bobcat, or fox. You can also try a homemade deer repellent.
- Eliminate other food sources that deer like to eat, such as fallen fruit, nuts, and garden vegetables. If deer are getting everything they need from your yard, they won't have any reason to eat the strawberries.
- Make sure bird feeders are at least 10 feet away from strawberry plants. Some birds will eat strawberries, and their droppings can attract deer to the area.
- Pick berries as soon as they ripen. Deer are attracted to ripe fruit, so by picking the berries as soon as they're ready, you can deter them from eating them.
Do deer like strawberries?
It's a known fact that deer love strawberries. But why? Is it the sweetness? The juiciness? The redness? Whatever the reason, we can all agree that deer and strawberries are a match made in heaven.
Here are some fun facts about this delicious duo:
- Deer will eat just about any type of strawberry, including wild and cultivated varieties.
- A single deer can consume up to 10 pounds of strawberries in one day. That's a lot of berries. Though this would not be advisable.
- Deer are most likely to eat strawberries in the spring and summer months when the berries are ripe and plentiful.
Do deer eat raw strawberries?
Yes, deer will eat raw strawberries. Deer see berries as a source of natural sugar which helps them to stay energized throughout the day. Not only do they enjoy eating the fruit itself, but also the leaves and stems of strawberry plants.
Can baby deer eat strawberries?
Yes, baby deer can eat strawberries. Checkout these reasons why:
- Strawberries are packed with nutrients that are essential for growing babies, including vitamins C and K.
- The sweetness of strawberries makes them an irresistible treat for young deer.
- Strawberries are a good source of fiber, which can help to regulate a baby deer's digestive system.
Do deer eat strawberries summary
Deer love to eat strawberries. Strawberries are a nutritious food for deer, providing them with essential vitamins and minerals. Deer seem to really enjoy the taste of strawberries, so if you have some in your garden be prepared to share. Let's just hope they don't eat them all before you have a chance to enjoy some yourself. Thanks for reading.