The ideal height for a deer feeder should be between 4-6 feet off the ground. This height allows for easy access for deer to reach the feed, but prevents the feed from being easily scattered by skunks, raccoons, or other animals.
Also, should the feeder be enclosed in a cage, the height of 4-6 feet allows the deer to reach their necks in between the bars to access the feed. It is not recommended that the feeder be placed lower than 4 feet off the ground, as this makes it easier for predators to access the feed.
Do trough feeders work for deer?
Yes, trough feeders can work for deer. A trough feeder is a device that is used to dispense feed, such as a deer feeder, in predetermined quantities. Trough feeders are typically used to provide supplemental nutrition to wild deer, especially in areas where natural food sources are limited.
Trough feeders come in a variety of sizes and designs, and can generally be relatively easy to set up, requiring basic assembly of the frame, the hopper, and the feeder legs. Some feeders even come with automatic timers, which can be programmed to dispense feed at specific times and intervals.
Because deer have an instinctive preference for natural foraging terrains, trough feeders are often used to provide them with food in areas where there aren’t any natural food sources. The trough design also facilitates natural browsing habits, allowing the deer to come and go as they please, rather than having to wait for their food to be dispensed.
When setting up a trough feeder for deer, it is important to make sure that the feeder is set up in an enclosed space so that the deer are provided with a sense of safety. It is also important to place the feeder in an area where the deer are sure to find it.
In addition, it is important to make sure that the feeder is not easily accessible to other critters such as birds, raccoons, and bears; these animals can easily eat up your deer’s feed if they are able to access it.
Lastly, it is important to use a high quality and nutritious food in the trough feeder, as this will ensure that the deer are getting the nutrition they need.
Where should you place a deer feeder?
A deer feeder should be placed in a spot where there is enough room for deer to approach without worrying they are in an exposed area. For instance, a deer feeder should never be placed in an open field, as deer are more likely to be more cautious.
Instead, a feeder should be placed near a tree line, near a brushy area, or near a field edge. This allows deer to approach the feeder with some security and feel less vulnerable to predators. Additionally, you want to make sure you carefully monitor the feeder in order to observe where deer approach from, as this allows you to place the feeder in a spot where you know deer feel comfortable.
Placing the feeder in a spot that is close to water, somewhere with adequate shade during hot summer months, and adding a bit of cover for deer to hide in, can also be beneficial. It is also important to place attractants such as brush piles or minerals in the area to help draw deer in, providing a better source of food.
How big should a pen be around a deer feeder?
A pen surrounding a deer feeder should be large enough to give the deer plenty of room to approach and eat the food in a low-stress environment. Ideally, the pen should be 6-8 feet tall with a four to five foot circumference, creating enough space for at least two deer to feed and move comfortably.
If more than two deer are expected, the size of the pen should be increased. It’s also important to use a heavy-duty, enclosed fence to ensure that wild animals or livestock can’t get in, which will also help to protect the feeder from potential damage.
Additionally, the pen should have good drainage and should be set back from the feeder several feet to ensure the deer don’t associate the feeder with a potential threat.
How do I protect my deer feeder from hogs?
If you have a deer feeder set up in your yard and you are looking for ways to protect it from hogs, there are several steps that you can take. The first step is to build a fence around the feeder. The fencing should be 4-5 feet tall and made from a sturdy material such as wire or wood.
It should be designed in a way to prevent hogs from reaching the feeder either by climbing over or digging under the fence. If hogs are still able to access the feeder, then you can also purchase a motion sensing device to attach to the feeder.
This will detect any movement near the feeder and will activate a loud noise or light that will scare the hogs away. Additionally, you can also make sure to check the feeder regularly to ensure that it remains clean and has enough seed in it.
Finally, you can also consider using a hog attractant such as a sweet smelling food or salt block. By using the attractant away from the feeder, you will be able to draw the hogs’ attention away from the area and lessen the chances of them accessing the feeder.
How do you cow proof a deer feeder?
There are several steps you can take to cow proof a deer feeder.
First, you should invest in a deer feeder designed to be cow proof, like one with a feed tray that cows can’t access. This will help prevent them from knocking the feeder over and reaching into it.
Second, you should choose a location for your feeder that is harder for cows to reach. Placing the feeder somewhere off the ground on a post, platform or tree limb can help prevent cows getting near it.
Third, you should consider investing in fences or other protective measures around the feeder to make it harder for cows to reach it.
Fourth, you should avoid putting out large amounts of feed at any one time. This can increase the likelihood of cows reaching the feeder and consuming the feed, as they will likely smell the food and try to get to it.
Finally, be sure to regularly inspect and maintain the feeder to ensure it is in good condition and functioning properly. This includes checking that the latch on the feeder is functioning properly and all screws are secure.
Will cows eat the corn from a deer feeder?
No, cows are typically not able to eat corn from deer feeders as the feeders are too high up for them to reach. Deer feeders hold corn or other grains that are spread on a platform or in a trough. This allows the deer to come and eat the food, but cows are typically not tall enough to reach the feeders.
Cows do not typically eat in tall feeding areas, so the corn in the deer feeders would be wasted as far as cows are concerned. Additionally, the platform may be too small for the weight of a cow and could cause it to fall if it attempted to eat the corn in the feeder.
Cows are large animals, so it is not a good idea to use deer feeders to feed them.
Will deer come out around cows?
It is possible that deer may come out around cows, but it is not very common. Deer usually prefer meadows and forests, while cows typically dwell in open grassland areas. Deer also prefer to remain hidden from potential predators, so having large animals like cows nearby can actually deter them from getting too close.
In addition, cows are often more tolerant of human presence and farm activity, which deer may try to avoid. However, if there is enough food and cover for deer in an area with cows, it is possible that some deer may make their presence known.
Can a cow and a deer mate?
No, it is not possible for a cow and a deer to mate. This is because cows and deer are different species and cannot interbreed. Cows are members of the family Bovidae and are classified as the species Bos taurus, while deer are members of the family Cervidae and are classified as various species within this family.
Members of different species cannot successfully produce offspring with one another. Additionally, cows are domesticated animals while deer are wild animals, meaning they do not typically interact.
Will horses scare off deer?
In short, it depends on the circumstances. Generally speaking, horses can scare off deer, but it is not a guarantee.
Horses are naturally larger, stronger and more imposing than deer, so a horse’s presence can be enough to deter deer from an area. An equine’s size, especially when galloping, can also be intimidating, and if the deer senses danger it may vacate the area.
Deer, however, are prey animals, so their instincts may cause them to flee in a panic even if they don’t actually feel threatened.
It really depends on a lot of factors such as the horse’s temperament, the deer’s natural tendencies and even the surrounding environment. A horse may not be able to scare off a particularly bold deer, nor might it be effective in a densely forested area where visibility is limited.
In addition, trained hunting dogs often accompany riders and can be more successful at scaring off deer due to their size and aggressive behaviors.
Ultimately, if you are looking to frighten deer away from an area, using a horse is one possible method. However, it is not guaranteed to be successful, and it may be best to consider other methods as well, such as using sound and smell deterrents.
What do deer do when scared?
When deer feel threatened or scared, they typically take flight and flee the area. This is their primary defense against potential predators. If they cannot flee they will sometimes stand their ground, making themselves appear larger by raising their heads, flaring their nostrils, and stamping their front feet.
They will also snort or grunt to further express their aggression. If fleeing or standing their ground isn’t an option, deer may attack by charging and striking with their front hoofs. In extreme situations, deer may even resort to kicking with their back hooves.
How do you hunt deer around cattle?
Hunting deer around cattle requires a great deal of caution, as the presence of cattle can easily alter the behavior of deer in the area. Before you begin hunting, it is important to consider the behavior of the cattle in the area – if they seem to be sensitive or agitated easily, it may be best to find a different place to hunt.
If possible, look for signs of deer activity away from the cattle, such as fresh tracks and browsing damage.
When it comes to actually hunting, it is important to take into consideration factors such as wind direction and noise. If the wind is blowing away from the cattle, your scent won’t reach them and you’ll have a better chance of reaching a buck without alarming the herd.
It is also important to minimize the amount of noise you make, as this may spook the cattle and frighten away any nearby deer.
When setting up your blind, be sure to set it up in a way that will minimize their chance of seeing and smelling you. If possible, face the blind away from the cattle to give yourself more of a chance of going undetected.
If the cattle come too close, be sure to remain quiet and stay still until they move away.