Raising geese as pets is not only doable, it's also really fun
Keeping small flocks of geese in suburban backyards is growing in popularity, perhaps because the many misconceptions about the nature of waterfowl are finally being replaced with accurate information about their nature and proper care. Here are some reasons to keep geese in your backyard.
Do you raise geese? If so, share your experiences in a reply below.
Keeping small flocks of geese in suburban backyards is growing in popularity, perhaps because the many misconceptions about the nature of waterfowl are finally being replaced with accurate information about their nature and proper care. Here are some reasons to keep geese in your backyard.
Geese are faithful
They usually mate in pairs and form strong bonds that can last their entire lives. A separated pair within earshot of each other will call out to each other constantly. If a mated pair needs to be separated for any reason, the best thing to do would be to separate them enough so that they cannot see or hear each other. Eventually, both will probably form a new couple relationship. But not always.Geese make excellent parents
One of the benefits of a strong pair bond is that the gander will vigorously defend its mate while she incubates the eggs in the nest. Once the goslings hatch, the gander will protect them just as fiercely while helping his mate raise the young. One of the great advantages of raising geese is that you do not need an incubator to raise future generations - the goose and gander will do it for you.Geese are good watchdogs
Geese are territorial and protective. They do not back away easily when attacked, which can give other birds a chance to escape. Remember, however, that no goose is immune to attack by a dog, large fox, or other larger predator. Properly trained geese learn to respect their keepers and will only become aggressive toward strangers. Since geese are prey animals, do not expect them to guard your other birds, but they serve as a great alarm system.Geese are easy to keep
You do not need to spend a lot of money on goose food because geese can obtain much of their own food if they have a chemical-free lawn, garden or pasture. They are relatively disease-free and extremely hardy. Even if they have access to shelter - which anyone who keeps geese should provide - they usually prefer to stay outdoors, no matter what the conditions.Geese are good weed hunters
Because they are active foragers and can obtain much of their food from growing vegetation, geese are often used as economical weeders for certain commercial crops and can also be used in backyard gardens if properly managed. They are excellent for controlling grass and weeds in vacant lots and other areas and are often kept around ponds or allowed to feed along drainage ditches to prevent the overgrowth of vegetation.Geese lay beautiful large eggs
A goose egg is about the same as two chicken eggs but has more yolk to white ratio. Goose eggs taste nice and eggy, which is due to the diet of green fodder, and they can be prepared in the same way as chicken eggs. The white shells are much firmer than those of chicken eggs. Measured by its largest circumference, the average goose egg is 9 to 10 inches. When blown out and dried, goose eggs are excellent for making decorative jewelry boxes and other crafts. Unfortunately, most breeds of geese only lay seasonally, and you can expect at most 50 eggs per year. Some breeds lay significantly less, so enjoy the eggs while you can.Goose meat is delicious
Eating goose meat is a touchy subject. However, the fact is that most goose breeds were developed primarily as meat birds, and the meat from a properly cooked goose is rich and juicy without being greasy. The rendered fat can be used as flavorful shortening.Geese are very long-lived.
It is known that they can live up to 40 years. If you decide to raise geese in your backyard, be prepared to spend many years in their company.Do you raise geese? If so, share your experiences in a reply below.
