What gender of goose is best for us

[wamtazlady]

We've decided to get a couple geese. We want them to become watch geese as dogs are not an option for us. We have several acres of grassland for them to forage as the horses have been sold. We have no desire to breed the geese. Would it be best to get 2 males, 2 females, one of each, or doesn't it matter? We're hoping they will be an early warning system in case another fox comes into the area. Would also appreciate suggestions for possible breeds.

 

[Carrosaur]

Please do not buy geese as watch dogs. Sure they will alert you to predators but they will also alert you to sticks, songbirds flyin, planes, cars, bikes, etc. You'll be walking out every five minutes.

The loudest and most intimidating are usually Chinese and African, but they are fog horns.

Not only will they alert you to EVERYTHING that is suspicious (which is anything that moves because they are a prey animal) if there is an actual predator and you don't get there in time you'll have dead geese. They are BIRDS. They stand no chance against dogs, cats, foxes, raccoons, coyotes, etc.

And if you're looking for watch geese, I'm assuming you'll keep them out at night so they can keep an eye out? That's unacceptable. All poultry should be locked in a secure shelter that no predators can get into because, again, they are a bird.

So if you are only getting geese only to look after your other poultry, just don't get them. There are many other tools to ward off predators. Hot wire, predator lights, different scents that deter a specific animal, etc etc.

 

[Carrosaur]

How many geese do you have? You're taking this out of context. A huge flock of geese is MUCH different than three or four. You're acting like everyone has the same amount of land and geese as you!
We should NEVER tell new owners that it's okay to leave their poultry out at night. I had a goose get killed two years ago when I left their house unlocked, and their house is right outside our fence, probably 30 feet from the house. It's not safe. Quit encouraging irresponsible ownership.

 

[Miss Lydia]

That is a great piece of advice, servpolice. The geese will know people bring good food, but they will looking to peck in a bowl rather than at a hand. I have so much to learn before spring.

@wamtazlady there is a learning center here on BYC if you haven't seen it. Scroll up to top and you'll see it lots of info there.

 

[Ameraucanas]

I think that 2 and 2 would be a good idea, if you don't mind having chicks.

 

[HeritageGoose13]

The sex of the geese doesn't really matter. Usually they are sold in pairs. If you don't want to breed just get rid of the eggs- they only lay in spring.

If you want to buy geese, stay away from toulouse, as some breeders birds have leg problems and don't move well.

If you have several acres you may be better off getting a whole flock, not just two. They would be better avoiding predators in a group.

Breed does not matter that much, but larger geese are more intimidating to predators. People always have free geese they are giving away, so take whatever you find. If you don't see advertisements go catch them at your local park.

 

[servpolice]

My geese sleep outside during the spring and summer months as alarm systems and sleep right beside the house so using geese as alarms isn't so bad.
But I would advise you that geese are usually scared of foxes and dogs so they might alert you but that could also be their last honk.
If you want them as alarms keep them close to the house as predators usually don't go close to the house.
I'd advise you to get white Chinese geese and not Africans as Africans are expensive and are heavy and will be too slow to run away while Chinese geese are cable.
Just to let you know Guineafowl are the best alarms and they can easily sleep outside as they can fly well and roost on houses or trees

 

[Carrosaur]

Just to let you know Guineafowl are the best alarms and they can easily sleep outside as they can fly well and roost on houses or trees

This ^

 

[servpolice]

Indeed Carrosaur
I think wamtazlady should look at Guineas before geese.
Boy are they loud especially if you have a bunch of them!
Guineas are my main alarms for foxes for all my animals and I allow them go in the field as they are alert 24/7 and fly homeonce something strange is about.
So Wamtazlady did you look into Guineafowl?

 

[Miss Lydia]

"But I would advise you that geese are usually scared of foxes and dogs so they might alert you but that could also be their last honk."

I have no idea where this misconception came from that geese can protect other flock members. How? they have no teeth and just like the quote here they may honk but it could very well be their last honk.