I need infomation about Geese.

I do not have geese at the moment but hope to get some soon or next spring. Before I can think about getting them however I need some information that I can't seem to find in a internet search. I have to make sure I can care for them before I make the final pitch of geese to mom and dad. I have to have every relevant source of information and leave them with no questions before they'll seriously discuss it.

What do geese need to eat in the winter?

I don't have access to plain wheat, only chicken scratch (corn and red wheat mix). Can it be used as a sort of replacement to the wheat part of their diet? (I can get a dry feed made for geese but for what I've read their diet has to be varied, right?).

Because of their love for water, and freezing temperatures in the winter, can I remove the water at night and only give it during the day?

Can geese bought as adults ever become used to a new owner enough not to attack and/or become pets to that new owner or do they have to be bought as goslings in order to imprint?

I read somewhere that they need hay and/or hay pellets in the winter as roughage, is this true? If it is do they get a hay bale dry or does that days' hay have to be soaked? (hay pellets would be soaked, correct?).

Any information you have pertaining to cold climates would be very helpful.

Thank you in advance.

Hello Nightbird!

I tried to do a little research for your goose question. There are two postings on BYC-have you read those?

It seems that geese like cold weather, but definitely need access to clean drinking water and some sort of dry shelter where they are protected from the elements and predators (raccoon, mink, fox, dogs etc)

You can use heated buckets for water during winter, but be very cautious with any cords, as geese LOVE to chew on just about anything.

You can feed a variety of feeds-I feed Purina Flock Raiser and scratch for treats. You want to make sure you have a feed that is high enough in protein-some feed stores may carry a waterfowl feed and that is fine too. The best thing to do if you buy adults is to ask what they've been eating and if you change the feed, change it slowly. Whole corn is good as a treat too. I don't know anything about hay pellets, but my geese like to nibble at hay. I do not soak it.

Adults may become friendly to new owners-I've only raised one pair from goslings and they follow me everywhere. They like to hiss at my husband and daughter.

Here is a link to check out: https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/672811/geese-in-cold-weather
There is another link you can look at in that posting

Hope this helps! Remember that geese can live a long time so be prepared for that!!

Thank you very much, that really helped.

Hello. This is my first post to BYC. I really hope I'm posting in the right area. I rescued 2 Roman Tuft geese and a mallard. I have tried to research as much as possible but articles are are hard to find. Because these geese look and act like ducks (except for their caps) I've been feeding them like ducks. I bought grain and they eat that but they really seem to like spaghetti noodles, watermelon, lettuce, shredded apples, sprouts and other greens. I read that potatoes are bad for them and bread should be limited. Does this sound like I'm feeding them right? I've only had them for a few weeks but they seem to be happy and getting a little bigger. Could anyone give me suggestions? By the way, I love this site and so glad I found it.

I typically buy Dumore poultry feed as a supplement for my goose. Geese food should always be mainly grass as they are always healthier that way. To avoid feet issue, add Naicin to the water or make peas (niacin rich food) apart of their regular diet. If you notice swollen joints, weakness or them following over. Immediately uptake the niacin. Niacin can be found at grocery store in the vitamin section. Do not get the time release of flushed kind.