It’s a common question asked by many pumpkin growers each fall – do deer eat pumpkins?
Deer are herbivores, which means that their diet consists of plants. But how about pumpkins?
Pumpkins are actually a fruit, not a vegetable like most people think. Pumpkins are part of the gourd family, which also includes cucumbers, squash, and watermelons.
So, do deer eat pumpkins?
Do Deer Eat Pumpkins?
The answer is yes, they definitely do! Deer love pumpkins and will often eat them
In the wild, deer will eat a variety of different plants depending on what is available in their environment. When it comes to pumpkins, deer will usually only eat them because they love the taste.
Pumpkins are a great source of nutrients for deer, and they will often eat the entire pumpkin – seeds and all!
If you have pumpkins growing in your garden, then it’s likely that deer will come to visit and munch on them. While some people might view this as a nuisance, it’s actually natural for deer to eat pumpkins.
Are Pumpkins Safe For The Deers?
So, if you’re wondering whether or not it’s safe to leave your pumpkins out in the open where deer can get to them, the answer is yes – as long as there are other food options available for the deer to choose from.
Aside from being safe, pumpkins are high in nutrients, which can actually be beneficial for the deer. Pumpkins are a good source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals, and can help deer stay healthy during the winter months when food is scarce.
Pumpkins are also a great source of water for deer, so if you live in an area where water sources are hard to come by, pumpkins can be a lifesaver for the deer.
Also, keep in mind that rotten pumpkins are not safe for deer to eat and can actually make them sick. If you have pumpkins that are starting to rot, it’s best to dispose of them in a way that deer can’t access them.
Which Part Of The Pumpkin Do The Deer Eat?
When it comes to pumpkins, deer will usually eat the entire thing – flesh, seeds, and all. The stringy mass of seeds and guts inside the pumpkin is the part they like best because it crammed full of nutrients for them.
Deer generally don’t like to eat mature pumpkin skin, but they will devour a young, unripe fruit. At this stage, the skin is soft enough for them to enjoy. Pumpkin skin is not poisonous to deer; however, store-bought pumpkins may have pesticide chemicals on the outer skin that could be harmful.
Deer also like to eat pumpkin flowers because they are soft and sweet. If deer get access to a pumpkin patch, they will clear it of all leaves and flowers.
The only plant the deer avoid feeding on is the pumpkin vine. This is because pumpkin vines have a thick, fibrous, and fuzzy texture which Deer detest.
How To Stop The Deer From Eating Your Pumpkin?
If you don’t like the idea of deer eating your pumpkins, there are a few things you can do to keep them away.
The best way to keep deer away from your pumpkins is to build a fence around the pumpkin patch. The fence should be at least 8 feet tall so that the deer can’t jump over it. You can also add an electric fence to the pumpkin patch for extra protection.
Another way to keep deer away from your pumpkins is to spray them with a deer repellent. There are many different brands of deer repellents available on the market, so be sure to read the labels carefully to find one that is safe to use around fruits and vegetables.