Do deer eat the chestnuts after Shell has broken?

Deer do eat chestnuts, and they will sometimes eat them even after the shell has broken. However, they are more likely to eat chestnuts that are still in their shells, as the shells provide some protection from the sharp spines of the chestnut tree. In addition, deer may be less likely to eat chestnuts that have been broken open by humans, as they may associate these chestnuts with danger.