4-H group needs information on African Geese

[Ivagrovegirl]

Hi,
I am a Jr. Leader with the Pike's Peeps 4-H group in Pike County, Indiana. We are trying to keep our kids informed about their animals. What can you tell me about African geese. Anything about caring for them and showing them would be wonderful. All help is really appreciated,

Thanks

 

[NewHopePoultry]

I'm in love with my African geese!
They do good in cold weather as long as they have shelter to protect their knobs from frostbite.
They just scream look at me with their large black knob on their head(requires several years to fully develop) and a dark stripe down the back of the neck.
They are easy to handle and are pretty docile.
Alot of people keep them for meat, but they also lay a good number of eggs. They mature early compared tgo some other breeds, but dont get as big as a Toulouse.

 

[Ivagrovegirl]

Thank you for that information. Any other information would also be appreciated. I am glad that they are docile

Emily

 

[jimmoose]

The Africans are easy geese to keep. They look after themselves quite
well with proper grazing area. They are grass eaters and will readily eat
your garden if allowed. The also are personable, smart and tame
easily. We have a pair that we've had for years and they are loads of
fun to be around, they are good parents and will readily accept other
goslings to take care of.
A couple of points about the Africans, and Chinese: they tend to be
aggressive while nesting and laying. I'd keep any small children away
from them while they are breeding or while having a broody female.
If you have other pets, they acclimate well with them and are pretty much on the top of the pecking order. Our dogs and cats won't go near them. The Africans and Chinese can inflict a very nasty bite and the other animals have received them and are aware of it.
They are loud. Very loud. Which I don't mind because nothing happens
around the house with out our two knowing it and sounding the alarm.
Guests, the mailman, FedEx and UPS are well aware if them and are
somewhat intimidated by their size and aggressiveness. They will
lower that head and come at you honking and making a big show
which is fairly comical while watching. If you stop and stand there,
they will stop and if you walk toward them, they will quit and leave.
They make wonderful pet and when tame they will let you pick them
up and love on them. They will follow you in the house if you let them.
They are curious and intuitive creatures that will quickly become
valued and loved pets. Ours sure have.
Nothing technical in what I've written but they really do make good pets,
are easily cared for and pretty much take care of themselves.
jim

 

[DiVon80]

Thanks for the positive! I want some for watch pets. I just love the africans.. I am getting a pair from Ideal.