As the weather cools and natural food sources begin to thin, many of us enjoy feeding the ducks, deer, and other wildlife that wander through our property. It’s a great way to support local ecosystems — and enjoy the beauty of nature right in your backyard. But feeding wildlife the right way is key to keeping animals healthy and wild.
1. Choose the Right Feed
Wild animals thrive on natural diets, so choose feeds that mimic what they’d find in the wild.
At Manning’s Feed & Seed, we carry a wide selection of wildlife feeds designed to keep local animals healthy and strong through the cooler months:
Deer Feed & Attractants
Whole Deer Corn – A classic, high-energy feed for deer during cooler months.
Cracked Corn – Easier to digest, great for both deer and wild birds.
High-protein Pelleted Feeds- Antler Max, Buck Booster, and Antler King are specially formulated to support healthy antler growth.
Buck Lickers Mineral Blocks – Packed with essential minerals for herd health.
Sweet Deer Feed Mix — a blend of corn and molasses for irresistible attraction, featuring MO’ BUCKS Gamechanger for added performance.
Rice Bran — a fat-rich supplement ideal for fall and winter feeding, available in delicious Plain, Peanut Butter, Persimmon, and Apple varieties.
Duck & Waterfowl Feed
Cracked Corn or Whole Oats – Excellent supplement to natural diets during migration.
Wild Bird & Backyard Wildlife Feed
Black Oil Sunflower Seed – A universal favorite for backyard songbirds.
Wildlife Seed Blends – Includes millet, sorghum, and sunflower for turkeys and doves.
Peanut Pieces & Safflower Seed – Great for woodpeckers and other fall birds.
Food Plot Seeds & Blends
WMS Deer Magnet, Pea Patch Mix, or Alabama Blend — specially formulated to attract and sustain deer throughout the fall and winter seasons.
Clover & Chicory Blends – Excellent for long-term forage and soil improvement.
Ryegrass & Oats Mix – Fast-growing, affordable forage for wildlife plots.
Brassica or Turnip Mixes – Great cool-season feed with strong regrowth potential.
2. Avoid Processed or Salty Foods
Bread, chips, and processed snacks can harm wild ducks and other animals. Instead, stick to grains, seeds, and corn specifically formulated for wildlife. These options provide balanced nutrition without added sugars or salt.
3. Feed Responsibly
Feeding should supplement, not replace, natural foraging. Offer feed in moderation and avoid overfeeding. For deer and ducks, spread feed out to reduce crowding and competition.
4. Maintain a Clean Feeding Area
Regularly clean up leftover feed to prevent mold or pests. A tidy feeding area helps reduce the spread of disease among local wildlife.
5. Support Local Conservation
Feeding responsibly also means helping protect habitats. Planting wildlife-friendly seed blends and native plants can provide year-round nourishment and shelter.
Whether you’re managing a food plot, helping turkeys and ducks through the season, or just enjoying the view from your porch, responsible feeding keeps wildlife healthy and safe.
Stop by Manning’s Feed & Seed in Pace or Milton for deer corn, wildlife seed, and everything you need to support the animals that make fall in Northwest Florida so special.
