Ducks or Geese?

[butterfly lady]

I've had both ducks and geese, different kinds of each. Right now we have a runner duck that swears hes a chicken! I really think its a personal choice, I love them both but have found that geese are more cold hardy than some ducks, and my geese have always been extremely affectionate. We've had some that would climb into your lap and sit like a cat! But I've also had ducks do the same thing. Maybe look at how much pond/room you have and that can help with your decision. Altho, some geese can be "testy" esp at breeding time and their bite and wings hurt way more than ducks! Good luck! i think you will love either one!

 

[Horsebackrules]

Just out of curiosity, what would happen if I only got one duck? I know this is probably a bad idea but I'm curious. I'd spend as much time as possible with them, but realistically I would probably only be able to spend 1-2 hours a day with them since they'd be outside. When they're younger I could spend more, but I do have school and homework to worry about. As much as I'd love a house duck, my parents would never agree.

 

[butterfly lady]

right now my daughter has a runner duck and a chicken that she has raised since they were both 4 days old. we got them both tog at the feed store and they are BEST friends! it quite funny! they also LOVE her and look to her as their mommy! they are only about 8 weeks old...the duck is pretty big with almost all of his feathers and the hen is still growing too....they are getting their new coop all to their selves....they love people but have bonded with each other too.....id say a lone duck would be very lonely.....esp if he was kept outside most of the time....hope that helps!

 

[Horsebackrules]

Thanks! I'm just really nervous because I've heard a lot of stories where people had ducklings that absolutely loved them and then at like 4 weeks of age they were terrified of them

 

[Amykins]

Thanks! I'm just really nervous because I've heard a lot of stories where people had ducklings that absolutely loved them and then at like 4 weeks of age they were terrified of them

All animals have a sort of "teenage phase", although my Wobbles never had one. However, if there's gonna be any animal to fear, it's a goose. There's a reason they have a reputation for attacking people. And they HURT! But again, so, so much of this depends on the species, their upbringing and how much time and care you put into socializing them. You can't just get a duck or goose, leave it alone in the backyard and expect a well-adjusted animal, you know?

 

[Horsebackrules]

If I do decide to get geese, will I have to wait until spring to order them? Or will any geese lay in fall?

 

[andreacroyle]

Well, if you want sweet and affectionate, ducks are the way to go. There are some geese that can be very sweet, but if they're not handled a bunch and properly socialized they can be downright nasty, attacking everything and everyone who comes into their territory. More often than not they're more aloof than anything else. My duck loves to snuggle and runs to greet me every time I come home! All the geese I've seen just kind of meander the yard, not caring about their humans until it's feeding time.

On the other hand, I've never owned a goose as a pet, just relaying experiences from my friends who have farms. Perhaps a long-term goose owner can chime in.

I also thought this until I was given special needs imprinted pilgrim goose. She is way more affectionate than our ducks. She HAS to be with us inside. Our ducks were handled and socialized by myself and my 10 year old spending hours a day with them and they still arent very affectionate compared to our goose.

@horsebackrules, you are in the right place to get your answers. Remember that everyone will have a different experience with their animals. It is a good idea to hear others advice but also to do research on different breeds yourself applied to your situation.

Since your getting day olds, you wont be able to imprint them. Imprinted ducks and geese are the most affectionate, but they also take up a lot of your time. Consider how much time are you willing to spend with your new pets everyday. Every single water fowl you get is going to be loud when they want to be except the muscovy. I love my muscovies!
What ever you decide, make sure you research the food and have it well before you have your ducks. Day olds usually need a brooder, a specific temperature and humidity. It is important that water fowl have a food formulated for waterfowl. They can die without the right food from vitamin deficiencies. Mazuri is one of the best brands I have found that is actually made for water fowl. I have to special order it and it takes two weeks to get it in, so keep that in mind.
Unfortunately, you can do all the research in the world and still end up with a duck or goose that doesnt have the personality that you want. To bad you cant contact a breeder/farmer in your area that will allow you exchange any that doesnt fit our personality. That is what we did. We started with 4 and two of the four didnt fit in so we exchanged the two for two more. I have also read that mail order ducks have a minimum amount that they will send and some could arrive dead. Take that into consideration when choosing your breeder. I liked going to the farm to get them because i got too see just how loud each animal is in their comfortable environment. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[andreacroyle]

If I do decide to get geese, will I have to wait until spring to order them? Or will any geese lay in fall?

It all depends on where you live and where the hatchery/farm is located. Different breeds lay at different times depending on location. For example, pilgrim geese last hatch was in june for florida, but i have friends that live in brazil and texas that just hatched pilgrims.

 

[andreacroyle]

However, if there's gonna be any animal to fear, it's a goose.

Just like dogs, there are certain ways to train, your geese, I have read plenty of threads where people have been attacked and bruised from their ducks when they were going through their teenage stage.

 

[Amykins]

And also like dogs, it's usually preferable to get bitten by a chihuahua than a St. Bernard!

Forgive me, I'm not trying to say geese are bad, most of the ones I know are VERY sweet. But if not properly socialized they can be very, very nasty and aggressive, especially the males. Not as bad as swans mind you, but still downright ornery. There are even stories of geese killing dogs and breaking bones in people! I'm just saying, for a novice waterfowl keeper it may not be the best option as they can be hard to handle.

Now, before I Start a flame war here's a video of an adorbz Greylag Goose being pet. <3