Need some help. Tried the protein pellets out of a gravity feeder. The deer won't touch it, any ideas? Dumped the entire feeder on the ground and they still won't touch it.

A couple of questions. Did you just start trying pellets this fall? I have found the ideal time to try and start them on protein is in the Spring. I have never had a problem with deer getting on it at a new place when I started in the Spring. Some say they have had to mix it with corn to get them used to it, but I never have. Also keep in mind that at this time of year, their dietary needs have changed to craving carbohydates, so they may just be turning their nose up in preference to carbohydrate alternatives that are available.

Protein will also spoil and moisture accelerates the spoilage. Have the pellets gotten wet? Even high humidity will cause them to get moist. If it has soured or gotten stale, the hogs will love it, but the deer not so much. Any other info you can share? Others I'm sure will have some more input.

When I started my protein I stuck a corn spin feeder in the pen with the gravity protein feeder. They took to it right away. Took the corn feeder out after 6 weeks.
Also my deer don't eat a lot of protein in the Winter months.

We have done the corn mix for years. Started with 50/50 mix, then 25/75 then 100% percent protein. We feel as if it's an acquired taste, and yes they will hit it harder certain time of the years than others. We feed protein from pretty much during the antler growing season only. It may not be the ideal situation, but saves some coin.

it takes them a while sometimes to figure out it's good for them. you can try mixing corn in it to get them started.
I tried a couple different protein types before finding one they'd hit really hard.

Never fill a feeder completely full when starting protein feed with deer that do not know what it is. Like stated above put a spin feeder in the pen with a protein feeder. I mixed 50# bag of pellets with 25# of corn and put it in each protein feeder. When that was completely gone I put in 100# of protein pellets when that was gone then I put in what would last a month or so in the feeders.

have you seen that deer eat old protein less? there's definitely a stronger smell when you first open a bag versus the stuff that's the oldest in the feeder. I used to feed bulk, but now since I feed such a small place, I just use sacks. I never really noticed the difference before.

That is why I like to feed all the feed through I feeder I have in 6-8 weeks. A bit longer in cooler months and less time in warm months. Humidity is not a friend of deer pellets. I fed some Hill Country deer year old 24% protein one summer and consumption was very good. All those deer had their best growth that year with some going up 35" in one year. Go figure.

I tried 20% antlermax and L&E, but they didn't eat it very well. For whatever reason they're eating the 16% (breeder) antlermax better than anything.

Rains and lot of green weeds now are having them want some fiber in their diet I would guess. Breeder ration is high fiber vs standard pasture ration. Deer will almost always eat more 16% protein than 20%, a lot more IME.

A few years ago I fed the deer PF blocks and beef grower from Lindners. They did pretty good. I am trying it again this coming year. Beef grower is a textured feed so you have to put it in troughs.

you think there are any downsides to it? other than less protein? seems like overall usage is up (way more than 4%), versus less protein per serving.

No downside to using 16% if it is low fiber with a good mineral/trace mineral package in it. If you feed it in good times when protein level in natural forage is as good or better. In the end them eating more will cost you the same amount if not more than feeding 20% IMO.

stx, im having the same, at first there were a few bucks, two, they aint touched it since November, and I mixed 50/50 corn protein. I have a lot of browse here all year long. Just wondering if its worth it, know you don't know the area.

Deer will always prefer natural high quality forage over bagged feed most any time. With all the rain in November and fresh green winter weeds I have my feed consumption is way down. That is what you would expect.

I'm not too worried about the cost. I only have two feeders on 200 acres. I just want them to eat as much as possible.

it's 17% fiber versus 13% for the 20%, and also higher in fat (4% versus 2%).

maybe I'm just going to generate more deer poop.

Thanks stx, kinda figured, just wanted em on something to help, you've seen some of the young bucks I've posted.

Sometimes eating as much as possible is not as good as eating less of a better balanced feed. Pen rations are not the best mineral/trace mineral package for pasture deer. Those rations are based on 100% consumption rates. I have fed Lyssy and Eckel 20% for 2 yrs now and have had no problem with getting them started or eating it when they need it.

Yep, I've seen where you posted, do they make any in bag's, maybe close to here( Granger)? That you know of?

Have to call the mill in Poth and ask them for a dealer close to your area. I do not care of Acco feed pricing but from those I know that have fed it have told me that deer will eat if very well when getting started on feed the first time. It is easy to blend in another feed with one they will eat to switch them over IME.

Thanks, gonna look into it. Just think what I have could use some help in the next years. Again thank you sir!!

Hate to say it but it might take a drought to get them started. Seen many a place try to feed for a few years till a bad drought hit and then they deer were eating more than they could afford to feed.

I mix half protein and half corn, use an old broom handle to stir gravity feeder.

Well if that's what it takes. LOL. No not what anybody needs.

Yall wanna swap out some picky Deer for some Chow Hounds
I had to build a timed gravity, if you put out 30 bags of 21% in a gravity they will hammer it and be empty before you know it..I can control the time and desire and supplement with a Protein Tub Lick..