Deer will eat hay if it is the only thing available to them, but they much prefer fresh green leaves and shoots. If you are feeding deer hay, make sure it is high quality and free of mold or dust.
Yes, deer will eat hay if it is available to them. Deer are browsers, which means that they prefer to eat leaves, twigs, and other vegetation. However, if hay is the only thing available, they will certainly eat it.
Hay is not as nutritious as other browse options, but it will provide some sustenance for deer.
Will Deer Eat Hay in the Winter
As the weather gets colder and snow starts to fall, you may be wondering if you should continue to provide hay for your deer. The answer is yes! Deer will continue to eat hay throughout the winter months as their primary source of food.
Hay is especially important for deer during the winter because it provides them with the necessary nutrients and energy they need to survive the cold weather. Deer typically eat around 4-5 pounds of hay per day during the winter months.
If you’re unsure how much hay to provide, a good rule of thumb is to offer 1 pound of hay per day for every 10 pounds of body weight.
For example, if you have a 10-pound deer, you would need to offer 1 pound of hay per day.
Remember, it’s important to provide fresh, clean water for your deer at all times – even in the winter! Frozen water can be deadly for deer, so make sure they always have access to a fresh water source.
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Should You Feed Hay to Deer?
No, you should not feed hay to deer. Deer are browsers, not grazers like cattle, horses, and sheep. They are designed to eat leaves, twigs, and other browse.
Feeding them hay can cause digestive problems and even kill them.
Can Deer Eat Baled Hay?
Yes, deer can eat baled hay. However, it is important to note that deer prefer fresh vegetation and will only eat hay if they are desperate or if there is nothing else available. Hay is also not as nutritious as fresh vegetation, so it is not the ideal food for deer.
If you do choose to feed hay to deer, make sure that it is clean and free of mold or other contaminants.
What Kind of Hay Do Deer Like Best?
There are many types of hay that deer like to eat, but the most popular type is alfalfa. Alfalfa is a nutrient-rich forage that is high in proteins and calcium, which are essential for a healthy deer herd. Other types of hay that deer enjoy include clover, timothy and brome.
What is the Best Thing to Feed Deers?
There is a lot of debate surrounding what the best thing to feed deers is. Some people believe that corn is the best option, while others argue that hay is a better choice. Ultimately, it depends on the deer and what they are accustomed to eating.
If you are feeding deer in an area where there is not a lot of natural food options, then it is important to provide them with a nutritious diet that will keep them healthy. Corn and hay are both good options for this, but you may want to talk to a local wildlife expert to see what they recommend for the specific area you are in.
Why can’t a deer eat hay?
Conclusion
Deer are known for their love of fresh greens, but in the wintertime when grass is scarce they will eat hay. Hay is a good source of nutrients for deer and helps them stay healthy during the winter months.