What Animals Eat Sweetcorn?

Sweetcorn, with its irresistible sweetness and tender kernels, is not only a favorite among humans but also attracts a variety of animals and pests. Understanding who your uninvited diners are can help in effectively protecting your sweetcorn.

Here's a look at the culprits:

Wild Animals and Pests That Eat Sweetcorn

• Deer: Deer are known to be quite fond of corn and will readily eat it when given the chance. They can consume large quantities overnight, often eating the tops of the corn and sometimes knocking the stalks over. This is especially true for sweet corn, which can be a significant attractant for deer in areas where they are present.
• Raccoons: They are notorious for their sweetcorn raids. Raccoons will often climb the stalks, which can damage or break them, and then they feast on the ripe ears.
• Squirrels: Squirrels will also target your corn, nibbling on the kernels and causing significant damage to the ears.
• Birds: Various birds, including crows and blackbirds, may peck at the corn kernels, especially as they begin to ripen.
• Rodents: Mice and rats are also culprits, eating the kernels and sometimes damaging the base of the plants.
• Insects: Certain insects, such as corn earworms, can damage sweetcorn. They bore into the tips of the ears, eating away at the kernels.

Farm Animals That Eat Corn

• Cattle: Corn is a staple in the diets of many cattle, often fed as silage, grain, or part of a mixed feed.
• Pigs: Pigs enjoy corn and it's commonly used in swine diets, providing energy and aiding in growth.
• Poultry: Chickens, turkeys, and other poultry can be fed corn as a part of their diet to help provide them with energy.
• Sheep and Goats: While not their primary diet, corn can be used as a supplement to provide extra energy, especially for lactating females or during colder months.
• Horses: Corn is also fed to horses, typically cracked or rolled, and mixed with other grains and supplements to balance their diet.
• + our deer, on our farm :)

Protecting Your Sweetcorn

To protect your sweetcorn from wild animals:

• Fencing: A physical barrier can be effective, especially against deer and raccoons.
• Netting: Protects the crops from birds.
• Scare tactics: Such as scarecrows, reflective tape, or ultrasonic repellents, can deter birds and small mammals.
• Secure garbage and compost: To not attract raccoons or rodents.

Given the wide array of animals that find sweetcorn irresistible, identifying the specific visitors to your garden will help in choosing the most effective deterrent strategies. Implementing a combination of methods may be necessary to protect your sweetcorn from these diverse diners.