Adding geese to an existing flock of chickens

[KingKarRool]

Hello new here .

I recently ordered a pair of Chinese Goslings and I was wondering what would be the best way to introduce them to my flock of 15 chickens of various breeds, or if it’s even possible?

I was hoping that they would act as guard geese, I’ve read that your only supposed to keep one but I felt like they would get lonely without at least one other of its kind, plus most sites make it so you have to buy more than one.

I’ve had experience with introducing new chickens to a flock but this is my first time working with geese or any kind of waterfowl.

Any advice would be appreciated

 

[Pyxis]

You're definitely NOT supposed to keep one, so I'm very happy to read that you have ordered two

Geese are generally easy to introduce to other birds. When they are old enough to go outside, just put them in near the chickens so they can see them but so the chickens can't get to them (this is protection for the goslings, not the chickens, haha) and then after a week or two when everyone is used to each other, you can let them together. Just make sure the geese are big enough at that time to be able to get away from the chickens safely if the chickens try to give them a hard time.

 

[KingKarRool]

You're definitely NOT supposed to keep one, so I'm very happy to read that you have ordered two

Geese are generally easy to introduce to other birds. When they are old enough to go outside, just put them in near the chickens so they can see them but so the chickens can't get to them (this is protection for the goslings, not the chickens, haha) and then after a week or two when everyone is used to each other, you can let them together. Just make sure the geese are big enough at that time to be able to get away from the chickens safely if the chickens try to give them a hard time.

Thank you for the response

Doesn’t seem to much different from introducing new chickens then.

I know they mostly eat grass in the spring and summer. But will they be fine on layer feed otherwise?

 

[Pyxis]

Thank you for the response

Doesn’t seem to much different from introducing new chickens then.

I know they mostly eat grass in the spring and summer. But will they be fine on layer feed otherwise?

Yep, they can eat layer feed just fine But as babies, make sure you are feeding them a feed with higher niacin - chick feed doesn't have enough. I recommend Naturewise's Meatbird feed.

 

[Perris]

Hello new here .

hello @KingKarRool ! welcome to BYC

I've been thinking of adding geese to my flock too, so I would really appreciate it if you keep us informed on how it goes

 

[Callender Girl]

Congrats on adding geese. They are totally entertaining and beautiful!

Mine have their own shelter and "play pen," but free range with the chickens and ducks during the day. One on one, Gussie and Golly (American Buffs) are pretty brave with the chickens. But if rushed by a group of hungry chickens, the geese will dash away like their feathers are on fire.

My geese were brooded in the same room (yeah, I had brooder boxes in my spare bedroom) as chicks and ducklings, so they had always been able to see and hear their neighbors.

Now, they share a nest in one of the hay storage areas with the two Easter eggers. Once a goose gets off the nest, I unbury her egg and invariably find one of two chicken eggs underneath. Sounds like friendship to me.

 

[KingKarRool]

Yep, they can eat layer feed just fine But as babies, make sure you are feeding them a feed with higher niacin - chick feed doesn't have enough. I recommend Naturewise's Meatbird feed.

My feed store doesn’t seem to carry that can I use Purina Flock raiser instead?

 

[KingKarRool]

My geese aren’t set to arrive until mid April, I’m just preparing ahead of time

 

[Pyxis]

My feed store doesn’t seem to carry that can I use Purina Flock raiser instead?

Yep, that will work too

 

[KingKarRool]

Yep, that will work too

I have one more question.
does their food have to be wet?