Geese and snow

[rosawoodsii]

So here we are with the first snow of the season. I let the geese out of their stall, but they immediately went outside in the snow. I immediately rounded them up and put them back in and fed them in there since I can't leave feed around or the goats will eat it. So here's my question: should they be allowed to go outside in the snow? They don't seem like they're the brightest stars in the sky

. and ignored the feed pan in favor of foraging. I'm not planning on digging out any green patches for them, because the snow will eventually get to a couple of feet at a time. Should I keep them barn bound for the winter?

 

[fowlmood]

We have a couple feet of snow already here but I let my geese out. It seems to help them mentally I think. They get some exercise as the "swim" through the snow and it breaks up the day for them so they are not stuck inside all the time. They are big hardy birds so the cold and snow doesn't bother them. If I fill their pool with water (instead of ice as it is now) they'll still play in that.

 

[MissPrissy]

The birds are well equipped to be out in the weather and snow. Many ducks and geese never come off the water in this kind of weather. They have a super thick down under the feathers that is almost like wool close to the their skin.

Nature equipped them for the weather. They aren't children who need supervision. They can take really good care of themselves. 40 degree temps are really comfortable for them. Even 30 degree temps can be enjoyable. My ducks and geese are out and they having a good morning in the snow. I wouldn't worry over them unless your weather drops into the teens and single - then you can offer them warm water a few times a day. Weasther unfit for man is when you keep them locked up in a safe place to ride out the winter storms.

 

[rosawoodsii]

Quote:
It was their feet I was worried about . I had visions of frozen feet

I'd like 40 degrees myself. Right now it's 32 with a cold north wind blowing. Me, I think that's weather unfit for man.

It feels like winter around here!

 

[MissPrissy]

Their feet are well equipped for cold weather. They will sit down when their feet are cold and warm them up. Mine have been in the snow for hours of their own accord.

 

[goosedragon]

My geese didn't like wet snow on the top of their webs. they would lift, shake, stride, lift, shake, stride.

 

[deeszoo]

My geese do not like to go in, no matter how cold it is. They have shelter, but go in when they want, which is only when they want to lay an egg!! I have seen them get in the water when it is so cold that when they shake, they throw ice. The first time I saw it, I figured I would come home to frozen ducks and geese. Nope, just wanting more warm water to make more icicles!!

 

[fowlmood]

As I posted on another thread, my geese have been staying inside quite a bit lately due to this huge storm sweeping the mid-west. All the wind has had them huddled inside the barn and they have cabin fever after these last three days. They put up such a fuss, start to go outside, come back in and honk away at me----like it's my fault.

I'm not sure who will be happier when this storm settles down, me or them. They really need to go outside and get their exercise!! They're getting grumpy.

 

[Cottage Rose]

Geese do not like to be cooped up alot but I've noticed if the weather is really bad (high winds/heavy snow) all they do is hunker down in the snow and don't move around so on days like that I just leave them in.
Never-the-less even on really cold days they will go out and even bathe in their pools.
The main thing in winter is to provide plenty of feed and fresh water daily
plus they need some sort of shelter, even if its just a wind break or lean-to.

 

[noahsgeese]

I let my geese in the snow that is in our coop and they are fine.

Noah