Millet is one of the most healthy cereal grains around the world. It is full of fiber and protein. Millet is also capable of attracting other animals other than being beneficial for humans. Today, we are going to discuss and find out whether deer eat millet or not.
Do deer eat millet?
Deer are able to eat millet plants and its seeds because they can digest them easily. Moreover, millet plants and its seeds provide several health benefits for deer in the form of protein and fiber. Deer get energy from consuming millet and it also improves the digestive system of deer.
Let’s look at different types of millet and see if deer eat them.
Pearl millet:
Pearl millet is grown in the summer season. Pearl millet can be as tall as five feet when it is fully grown. The great thing about pearl millet is animals can easily digest it and it is also full of important protein needed for the growth of animals.
Deer also fall in the category of animals that can eat pearl millet.
Ornamental millet:
Ornamental millet is grown in the garden or yard to increase the landscape beauty of the property. But the added benefit of growing ornamental millet is that several birds and animals are capable of eating and digesting ornamental millet.
Naturally, deer are also seen consuming ornamental millet whenever they get a chance. It is highly beneficial for their overall growth.
White millet:
White millet is another variety of millets that can be consumed by birds and animals. So deer like feeding on white millet to cover for the need of protein and fiber. White millet can be a crucial part of the deer’s diet. White millet is also grown in the summer.
Japanese millet:
Japanese millet is one of the fastest growing millet varieties. The seeds of Japanese millet are very much enjoyed by deer and other animals. Japanese millet can be a good addition to your garden or yard if you want to attract different birds and animals.
Proso millet:
Proso millet is another fast growing millet grass. Deer like eating the seeds of proso millet because of the protein and fiber they get from it. Proso millet can become a regular part of a deer’s diet if it is given the chance to feast on the millet grass.
Brown top millet:
Deer hunters often use brown top millet as part of the food plot to attract deer. Brown millet is capable of attracting other animals and birds too because of its protein, fiber, and unique taste. Deer do not mind enjoying a few bites of brown top millet grass and seeds.
Foxtail millet:
Foxtail millet is known for grabbing the attention of several animals and birds. The list of animals also includes deer in it. Deer are often seen consuming the foxtail millet grass and seeds.
The grass and seeds of foxtail millet possess the required protein and fiber needed for the proper growth of deer. Foxtail millet can be easily digested by the digestive system of deer too.
Do deer eat millet plants & seeds?
Deer love eating the grass plants of the garden or yard. Millet is a famous grass plant around the world. Moreover, many wildlife enthusiasts and deer hunters grow millet plants in their garden as a crucial part of the food plot to attract deer.
Deer like the taste of millet plants. They are also aware of the protein and fiber provided by the millet plants.
On the other hand, the seeds of millet plants are also enjoyed equally by deer. The seeds also contain a high amount of protein and fiber. Millet plants and millet seeds can be effectively digested by deer.
So they do not face the problem of not being able to break down the components of millet plants and millet seeds.
Do whitetail deer eat millet?
It is believed by animal experts that whitetail deer like eating millet. The fact that many deer hunters use millet plants as part of the food plot to trap whitetail deer proves the claim. Whitetail deer do not shy away from eating grassy plants whenever they get a chance.
Millet also holds several health benefits for whitetail deer such as protein and fiber. The protein of millet gives whitetail deer the much needed energy and the fiber of millet improves the digestion of millet.
Whitetail deer are capable of digesting millet as it does not have any toxin in it.
Is millet good for deer?
Millet is considered as a safe and good source of food for deer. The main reason behind this is the health benefits provided by the millet grass and seeds for deer. Millet is full of protein and fiber that improve the overall health of deer.
Animal experts suggest you plant millet in your garden if you want to attract deer to your property. Millet is safe for deer to consume as it does not have any poisonous component that can harm the deer in any way.
There are also readymade millet seeds available in the market which can be fed to deer.
5 reasons why deer eat millet
There are a lot of reasons why deer prefer eating millet. Let’s discuss in detail about some of them.
Nutritional value of millet:
Millet is able to provide massive nutritional value to deer through its food components. Millet plants and their seeds possess a high amount of protein and fiber. Protein and fiber are crucial parts of a deer’s daily food intake.
If you are an animal lover, you can attempt to produce millet in your garden to satisfy the hunger and nutritional needs of deer and other animals.
Health benefits of millet:
Millet plants and their seeds also bring a lot of health benefits for deer. First of all, the protein found inside millet plants and its seeds provides deer the required energy to go through the day.
The fiber present in the millet plant and its seeds improve the digestion capability of deer significantly. These are two major health benefits of millet plants and their seeds. There are other minor health benefits provided by millet as well.
Non toxicity of millet:
Millet plants and its seeds do not have any toxic effect on the body of deer. Millet plants and its seeds do not cause poisoning inside deer upon digestion. The non toxicity of millet plants and seeds makes them a safe and good food source for deer.
The taste of millet:
Millet plant and its seeds also taste good to the taste buds of deer. That is why deer enjoy eating millet once they get the taste of it. It is no secret that deer do not miss the opportunity of eating something that is tasty.
Availability of millet:
The great thing about millet plant is that it is very easy to grow and can be found in many gardens as a summer season grassy plant. Their availability has made them a favorite food item of deer. As it is a good source of food for deer, they do not mind eating it.
How to stop deer from eating millet?
Stopping deer from eating millet might seem like a difficult task if you do not have any prior experience regarding the matter. However, there are some steps and methods you can follow to accomplish the task. Let’s discuss them in detail.
Attach tall fences:
The primary way of stopping deer from eating millet plant and its seeds is by attaching tall fences around the perimeter of the garden. It will keep the deer away from eating the millet plant and its seeds effectively.
The height of the fences should be eight feet to counter the jump of deer.
Apply irish spring soap:
The strong aroma of irish spring soap is not enjoyed by deer at all. You can apply irish spring soap in the form of meshed up powder along the perimeter of the garden to protect the millet plant and its seeds.
A mixture of irish spring soap and water can be applied with the help of a spray bottle to stop deer from eating millet too.
Use deer repellent plants:
You can also take the help of deer repellent plants such as daffodil, marigold, and oregano to stop deer from eating millet and its seeds. The deer repellent plants can be grown along the perimeter of the garden or the millet plants to keep deer out.
Use high feeders:
Sometimes using bird feeders to feed millet to birds can attract deer. You will have to install the bird feeders higher than the average reach of a deer.
Final Thoughts
Deer can often be seen consuming millet because of its taste and components. Millet plants and its seeds can improve the overall health of deer by giving them energy in the form of protein. Fiber of millet plant and its seeds enhances the digestive function of deer.