concerned about geese and raccoons

[Hilltopfarms]

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so glad you're ok!!! as a hunter ive been too close to the noisy end of those things a few times.

thanks again

 

[feathersandfluff]

Racoons have no problem killing and carrying off a full size goose. I have never known of hawks being able to do so. This does not mean they cannot do so. As for dogs guarding the geese, this seems to work for a while and then for some reason the dogs will kill the geese. I have had this happen. I think sometimes the dogs get bored or just want to play with the geese but kill them just the same.

Before we put up the hot wire, we had a racoon try to pull a full grown goose thru the small holes in our 5 foot farm fencing. The racoon didn't suceed but the goose did die several day later from the injury.

Even after all of this, we don't kill the racoons but trap them and relocate them. They are just trying to feed their young. But I don't want them feeding their young with my geese.

 

[feathersandfluff]

While we are discussing preditors, has anyone had a problem with turtles in a pond killing ducks and geese?

 

[JordanFamily]

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I've heard of it before but have never seen it happen... Mine wont even get in the pond I made DH build for them last summer... They rather use the kiddy pools or a mud puddle then go in the pond... Hmmmm maybe they know something I don't... turtles maybe.....

 

[Shiloh Acres]

I was going to say that I liked your avatar. Since GD already answered really well on the predators, I'll address the dog.

You probably know your dog best. If he wants to CHASE the geese, and he's 12 years old, I wouldn't bother to try training him. If he doesn't want to chase them, and is a generally protective dog, he might want to protect them. BUT, if you are not cooping or penning the geese, I suspect they will worry and annoy him much of the time, and outright attack him during breeding season. Even a saintly dog will probably tire of the provocation. The only way he will probably be able to defend them is if they are in a coop/pen and he has full access AROUND them. (and with no overhanging branches out of his reach, especially if raccoons are a concern)

Even so, I don't use my dog that way. My geese can see out of their coop, and would put up a HUGE fuss if he even came to their side of the yard. I'm sure it couldn't be good for the geese to be so agitated so much of the night. I have a llama that I release into the goose yard at night. She doesn't agitate them and wouldn't let a coyote in without at least raising an alarm. Coyotes are my main concern (unless weasels ever become a problem) as their coop should be safe from everything in between.

But unless your setup is perfect for it, I wouldn't hold a lot of hope.

Raising a dog with the geese won't help from the goose's point of view, in my opinion. During breeding season, they are still going to know it's a dog and won't allow it around without a fight.

So, my llama watches the geese and nearby rabbits at night. She's in the backyard, and the dog watches the llama through the window. If anything happens and I don't hear it, he WILL let me know. In my situation though, secure coops, hutches, etc. during the night are the most important deterrent.

 

[desertdarlene]

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I haven't seen it, but I've known many people who have. In the lake that I go to, the bass are the biggest threat, but there are some sliders that might drag down a duckling/gosling also, but not as often.

 

[goosedragon]

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In many states it is illegal for private citizens to relocate coons as they are often the prime vector for Rabies. I think (don't quote me) that some state wildlife people are allowed to collect coons, hold them for observation (for rabies and vaccinate them before turning them loose)