Are geese worth it for protecting the chickens?

[Sara S]

Hi everyone! I was thinking about a goose (or do I need two) for my chickens. What age is best, how many, all the basics. And thanks so much, hope you had a great Easter!

 

[Lemon-Drop]

Hi everyone! I was thinking about a goose (or do I need two) for my chickens. What age is best, how many, all the basics. And thanks so much, hope you had a great Easter!

I can't give too much information as I don't have geese, but this article I found was interesting to read. (Not saying that you can't get one, of course!)
https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...ng to work anyway! Geese aren't guard animals.

 

[Isadora]

Hi everyone! I was thinking about a goose (or do I need two) for my chickens. What age is best, how many, all the basics. And thanks so much, hope you had a great Easter!

I suggest using the search function and searching terms like "guard goose".
There are plenty of people sharing their experiences on here. I asked your same question, once upon a time. Personally I don't think they work great as active guards for other birds.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Hi there! Pyxis has written an informative article on the topic that you may find helpful. As a goose raiser, I believe that geese need to have a companion of their own species.

I've run my lightweight ducks with geese and have had good results, but geese should be seen as aerial predator deterrents, at best, rather than livestock guardians. It's easiest to start with young goslings, but some older geese can also (carefully) be integrated with other poultry. I personally would not range my geese with chickens because they like to noodle other birds, and can quickly defeather a chicken. With heavy predator pressure, I choose to keep my chickens secure from aerial and ground predators in a secure run or secure pasture pens.

Best of luck!

 

[Sara S]

Hi there! Pyxis has written an informative article on the topic that you may find helpful. As a goose raiser, I believe that geese need to have a companion of their own species.

I've run my lightweight ducks with geese and have had good results, but geese should be seen as aerial predator deterrents, at best, rather than livestock guardians. It's easiest to start with young goslings, but some older geese can also (carefully) be integrated with other poultry. I personally would not range my geese with chickens because they like to noodle other birds, and can quickly defeather a chicken. With heavy predator pressure, I choose to keep my chickens secure from aerial and ground predators in a secure run or secure pasture pens.

Best of luck!

Yes, that was the concern, with the hawks and things, since geese tend to be so loud. Thank you for the information as well!

 

[Sara S]

I suggest using the search function and searching terms like "guard goose".
There are plenty of people sharing their experiences on here. I asked your same question, once upon a time. Personally I don't think they work great as active guards for other birds.

Thanks, and its currently just a thought since I’m building a new coop, my friend has geese and they are great with chickens. Everyone has different experience though. Thanks again!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Yes, that was the concern, with the hawks and things, since geese tend to be so loud. Thank you for the information as well!

I've heard that geese can effectively deter some package delivery people, too. And maybe uninvited solicitors/visitors.

Thanks for asking the question before you jumped into the "guard goose" scenario. I know there are posts out there promoting this method, but I think it's problematic for the animal as well as for the keeper.

 

[Goosebaby]

They’ll scare the hawks away just fine but not eagles. Any ground based predator they have no defense from themselves, geese are more fragile than they let on.

They’re excellent human deterrents

Other than That geese are great to have around for their personalities and if you like enormous eggs.

 

[Sara S]

I've heard that geese an effectively deter some package delivery people, too. And maybe uninvited solicitors/visitors.

Thanks for asking the question before you jumped into the "guard goose" scenario. I know there are posts out there promoting this method, but I think it's problematic for the animal as well as for the keeper.

Ohno! My UPS guy has a giant crush on my chicken keeping ability, he wants chickens but cant where he lives. I have a hatch waiting for him when he finally can. Maybe it can chase off my family members.…





of course! I hate doing things unprepared, and geese are scary, my friend‘s only likes him, and he chases everyone else. Painful bites they have.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I know every goose or gander has her or his own personality, but mine are all about posturing, rather than biting, even during breeding season (now). I can live with the girls hissing as I collect their eggs and the boys puffing themselves up impressively, but would not be fond of bites from those strong bills. What kind of geese does your friend have?