If you’re a nature lover there’s nothing worse than finding out that pesky raccoons have been raiding your deer feeder. Not only are they stealing food that you intended for the deer but they can also cause damage to the feeder itself. Fortunately there are a few things you can do to keep raccoons out of your deer feeder.
One of the simplest and most effective ways to keep raccoons out of your feeder is to install a baffle. Baffles are devices that are placed around the feeder and make it difficult for raccoons to access the food. There are a variety of baffles on the market so be sure to choose one that is specifically designed to keep raccoons out.
Another good option is to use a motion-activated deer feeder. These feeders only dispense food when they detect motion so raccoons (and other animals) are unable to access the food. Motion-activated feeders can be a bit more expensive than traditional feeders but they’re definitely worth the investment if you’re having problems with raccoons.
If you’re not interested in purchasing a new feeder there are still a few things you can do to keep raccoons out of your existing one. One option is to place the feeder on a platform that is at least 4 feet off the ground. Raccoons are good climbers but they’re not able to jump very high so this should deter them from getting to the feeder.
You can also try wrapping the feeder in chicken wire. This will make it more difficult for raccoons to access the food and it will also prevent them from causing damage to the feeder.
Finally one of the best ways to keep raccoons away from your feeder is to remove any potential food sources that they might be attracted to. Raccoons are attracted to garbage pet food and other food sources so be sure to keep these things away from your feeder. If you take these steps you should be able to keep raccoons (and other animals) out of your deer feeder.
How can I keep raccoons out of my deer feeder?
There are a few ways that you can do this.
One way is to put a metal mesh around the bottom of the feeder so that the raccoons can’t reach the food.
Another way is to put a weight on the lid of the feeder so that it is too heavy for the raccoons to lift.
What type of weight can I put on the feeder to keep the raccoons out?
A weight that is heavy enough so that the raccoon cannot lift the lid of the feeder.
This could be a brick or a rock.
Will the raccoons be able to eat the food if I put a metal mesh around the feeder?
No the raccoons will not be able to reach the food if you put a metal mesh around the feeder.
I don’t want to put a weight on the feeder is there another way to keep the raccoons out?
Yes there are a few other ways that you can keep the raccoons out of the feeder.
One way is to put the feeder on a pole or in a tree so that the raccoons can’t reach it.
Another way is to put a motion-activated sprinkler near the feeder so that the raccoons will be scared away when they come near.
Will the raccoons be able to climb the pole if I put the feeder on a pole?
It is possible that the raccoons will be able to climb the pole but it will be more difficult for them to do so.
How high up should I put the feeder if I am going to put it on a pole?
The feeder should be high enough up so that the raccoons cannot reach it.
This will typically be at least five feet off the ground.
How often should I fill the feeder if I am using it to attract deer?
You should fill the feeder as often as necessary to keep the deer coming back.
This will typically be every few days.
What type of food should I put in the feeder?
You should put food in the feeder that is high in protein and that the deer will like to eat.
This could include corn oats or alfalfa pellets.
Will the raccoons be able to eat the food if I put it in a tree?
Raccoons are good climbers so they may be able to reach the food if you put it in a tree.
It is best to put the feeder in a tree that is high off the ground and has no low-hanging branches.
What is the best time of day to fill the feeder?
The best time of day to fill the feeder is in the evening so that the deer will have food to eat overnight.
How often should I clean the feeder?
You should clean the feeder every few weeks to prevent the food from going bad.
What is the best way to clean the feeder?
The best way to clean the feeder is to use a hose to wash it out.
You can also use a mild soap if necessary.
Will the deer be able to see the feeder if I put it in a tree?
Yes deer have very good eyesight and they will be able to see the feeder if you put it in a tree.
What is the best time of day to put the food in the feeder?
The best time of day to put the food in the feeder is in the evening so that the deer will have food to eat overnight.
Will other animals be able to get to the food if I put the feeder in a tree?
Other animals such as squirrels and birds will also be able to get to the food if you put the feeder in a tree.
