Deer are highly adaptable creatures as they have been observed feeding on a multitude of plant material, including leaves, flowers pollen, fruits, seeds, and nuts found everywhere in gardens, fields, and forests. For gardeners and wildlife lovers, they have this one question in mind is whether deer enjoy sunflower seeds. This paper discusses the intricate connection between these two, what nutrients they provide, and what can be done in case one wishes to decrease deer activity when sunflowers are grown in the garden as well as other examples in which deer are in question.
Do Deer Eat Sunflower Seeds?
In fact yes, deers do consume sunflower seeds. However, they are mainly herbivorous feeding on twigs, leaves and herbs. Vegetation in winter is scanty, therefore when foods become scarce during winter, it is not surprising that those seeds will become a major source of food for them.
Nutritionally, sunflowers are very useful for deer since they are rich in protein and fats.
Why Do Deer Love Sunflower Seeds?
Feeding Deer is easily doable as they are not picky eaters. Deer benefit from much needed nutrients found in sunflower seeds:
- Fats: These nutrients derive healthy fats from seeds to give energy for deer in winter.
- Proteins: This nutrient also aids in tissue repair and growth for deer.
- Vitamins & Minerals: Vitamin E, these nutrients help strengthen the immune system of deer and as such are important abundant nutrients.
Deer have been observed to not only raid bird feeders but also to topple containers encrusted with sunflower seeds. Apart from being a menace, they are also known to consume the heads of sunflower plants, both the seeds and flowers.
Keeping Deer at Bay in Your Garden
Those who intend to grow sunflowers or place bird feeders outside will have to fight a defensive warfare against deer. Here’s how to limit their activities:
- Fencing: Whenever possible, use a strong and tall fence (8 feet or more) that will keep the Deer out of your garden.
- Repellents: Spray repellents on a few plants; this will scare them away.
- Displeasing Dears Plants: Another solution is to grow those blasted sunflowers close to lavender or rosemary – plants which dears find unappealing: this will deter deer from your premises.
Do Deers eat Sunflower Seeds?
While deer should not be fed sunflower seeds, the seeds are not poisonous to deer and should be fed in moderation. If too many seeds are consumed, this will likely alter the normal diet they are used to, which in turn may cause them digestive issues. Natural foraging should be encouraged instead of feeding from human sources.
Conclusion
Squirrels are attracted to sunflower seeds as they are nutritious for the critters. While it is true that sunflower seeds can provide deer with fats and proteins, the gardener must know how to manage deer populations if he intends to shield his vegetation. To accomplish this, all you really have to do is use a few simple gadgets for deer-proofing your gardens with fencing or repellents so sunflowers can be left for enjoyment.
I am Amelia, a professional who is powerfully driven by an extreme passion for the minute intricacies of flowers and trees. Through years of rigorous studies and practical exposure to botany and horticulture, I managed to nurture expertise that cuts across the scientific and aesthetic fronts of plant life.