2 pair of geese - will gander fight?

[GermanChick]

We will start with geese this year. I really want to get the American Buff and would order it from Metzer Farms. The only option is straight run or pairs. I would have really preferred to get a trio.
So now I am debating if I should get 2 pairs or 5 straight run.
If I order 2 pairs will the gander fight or will they just settle in with each of them having a girl?
How easy are they to sex if I get straight run? I would probably keep a trio and give the others away or process them. But of course there is always the risk that I will end up with 4 or 5 males…….

Thanks,

 

[sourland]

In my experience given enough room after establishing who is dominant several pairs of geese can get along quite well. Space availability and temperament of the individuals involved are important factors.

 

[GermanChick]

They will be our weeder in the orchard, it is plenty of fenced in pasture for them. Space shouldn't be a issue and from what I was reading they do have a calm disposition……. hopefully.

I'd rather get them sexed then the straight run.

 

[sourland]

Straight run is always a gamble. Think of the potential for problems if out of 5 straight run goslings you got 4 ganders and 1 goose.

 

[GermanChick]

Straight run is always a gamble. Think of the potential for problems if out of 5 straight run goslings you got 4 ganders and 1 goose.

…. and with my luck exactly that will happen!!!!!!!!!

I guess I keep looking if I can get a trio somewhere or have to get 1 or 2 pairs.

 

[livininbrazil]

…. and with my luck exactly that will happen!!!!!!!!!

I guess I keep looking if I can get a trio somewhere or have to get 1 or 2 pairs.

Hi GermanChick. Why do you particularly want to get a trio? Geese are very happy in pairs. In fact, I´ve found mine are much better parents in pairs. I have a fair bit of space here and my ganders don´t really fight, they already have their goose, so it´s only little squabbles over territory maybe, or misunderstandings that soon get sorted..... maybe if you don´t have a lot of space, or even as it´s your first geese, why not just get a pair, and maybe next year you´ll know more about what you want.

 

[GermanChick]

Thanks everybody.
I ordered 2 pair of American Buff at Metzers. They only have pairs or straight run. First I thought just ordering a pair like suggested but then I would be afraid if one would die on the way here or the first few weeks I would end up with a just one. So I figured to be safe just order 2 pairs….. Hopefully there won't be any loss but if so then at least I have "backup".
We do have lots of space. They will be weeding/mowing our orchard. So lots and lots of space.
Very excited, still have to wait until end of April, that was the earliest availability.

 

[flockman]

Exciting! Enjoy!

 

[livininbrazil]

Thanks everybody.
I ordered 2 pair of American Buff at Metzers. They only have pairs or straight run. First I thought just ordering a pair like suggested but then I would be afraid if one would die on the way here or the first few weeks I would end up with a just one. So I figured to be safe just order 2 pairs….. Hopefully there won't be any loss but if so then at least I have "backup".
We do have lots of space. They will be weeding/mowing our orchard. So lots and lots of space.
Very excited, still have to wait until end of April, that was the earliest availability.

Have fun with your goslings, you´ll love them. And don´t forget to give a little Brewers Yeast or niacin.