Catching displaced geese

[btjnark]

Hi. I have never owned geese. I decided to get some to help alert me to predators in the yard and figured I would buy goslings and raise them up. In my search for local goslings, I found a craigslist add from a kind soul who has been feeding a small flock of Toulouse - at least they look like Toulouse - that wandered to their yard (by way of a river in the back). I have the space, and these would fit my needs beautifully, as they look to be at least a year old.

Posting says they aren't aggressive, and I'll be going to see them myself in two days to check it out. I understand that no matter how friendly they seem, they could become more aggressive once they establish territory at my place or if they are defending eggs.

Questions:

If I bring them home and fence them for a while, are chances good that they will stay once they're able to free range?

I have chickens that free range (broody hens will be leading chicks around in another month or so) and will be putting new ducklings out (in their own fenced area) shortly. If the geese are just learning their way around are they likely to accept whomever is here, or should I expect chaos?

How can I capture and transport them the most easily for all of our safety and the best chance of a good relationship with them when they get home? I'm told they pretty much follow the corn as they're attempting to make a living foraging in a suburban setting. I have an SUV and a pickup, but I don't own a livestock trailer.

Lastly...is this a dumb idea? I would love to be able to rescue these geese and give them a good home (large farm in very rural area) but am I better off sticking with the original plan and raising some?

Thanks for your input. I know geese are individuals and this will all be conjecture, but I appreciate any advice you can provide.
~Traci

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hi. I have never owned geese. I decided to get some to help alert me to predators in the yard and figured I would buy goslings and raise them up. In my search for local goslings, I found a craigslist add from a kind soul who has been feeding a small flock of Toulouse - at least they look like Toulouse - that wandered to their yard (by way of a river in the back). I have the space, and these would fit my needs beautifully, as they look to be at least a year old.

Posting says they aren't aggressive, and I'll be going to see them myself in two days to check it out. I understand that no matter how friendly they seem, they could become more aggressive once they establish territory at my place or if they are defending eggs.

Questions:

If I bring them home and fence them for a while, are chances good that they will stay once they're able to free range?

I have chickens that free range (broody hens will be leading chicks around in another month or so) and will be putting new ducklings out (in their own fenced area) shortly. If the geese are just learning their way around are they likely to accept whomever is here, or should I expect chaos?

How can I capture and transport them the most easily for all of our safety and the best chance of a good relationship with them when they get home? I'm told they pretty much follow the corn as they're attempting to make a living foraging in a suburban setting. I have an SUV and a pickup, but I don't own a livestock trailer.

Lastly...is this a dumb idea? I would love to be able to rescue these geese and give them a good home (large farm in very rural area) but am I better off sticking with the original plan and raising some?

Thanks for your input. I know geese are individuals and this will all be conjecture, but I appreciate any advice you can provide.
~Traci

Here is a link to another great rescue. after reading post back with questions, giving these geese a second chance i think is awesome and wish you all the best in your attempt. https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/617366/people-dumping-geese