I really want some geese and ducks for our farm, but my husband is refusing because geese have such a bad reputation for aggression. Which is why I want them, partly. I would love some weed control around the place and ducks without protectors will be picked off by the numerous predators we have. I have even considered a duck/goose shelter for the night if they will go in it. Is there a people friendly goose breed we might consider?
Geese can be terrors, it´s not an unfounded reputation. most of us have lovely ones, but then we know how to teach them to behave. As regards weeds, get yourself some garden tools!
Geese love grass. They´ll eat your lawn for you. And they´ll wreck any pretty little plants they can reach, apart from the weeds.
As for protecting, the geese could be picked off along with the ducks, depending on what the preds are.... they can´t protect ducks, they may just keep the smaller preds away a bit more because of their size, but that´s about it. A gander is more likely to attack the ducks himself than protect them!
A safe shelter for the night is usually a necessity. (I don´t have one here, but then there aren´t many)
There are some easier breeds, for instance I have Pilgrims, which are very mild-natured in general, harder to find are Cottonpatch, very similar to Pilgrims. Also Sebastopols are very mild. Some say the American Buffs are good. Breeding season, most ganders will get tetchy to aggressive. I would guess that toulouse are next along the line in being placid. To be honest, to put up with geese, you really have to be able to see their funny side.
Positive review? I think they´re great, I adore mine.
