Guard Geese?

[K.Riggs]

Also when you clip the wings if they can in fact fly like mine just be aware they are much more powerful bird to control than a chicken or duck and a strike across the forearm or face with a wing can really hurt so be a bit careful.

 

[K.Riggs]

Interesting! What breed do you have? I had two that could fly, but they were both half Canada goose, which is why. Even my Romans, which are the smallest domestic breed and they one I would suspect would be most capable of flying of all the domestic breeds can't fly. They can get about four feet off the ground, but that's it.

I have a Roman Tufted x Embden gander and Embden x Toulouse goose. At first only clipped the primary flight feathers and they could still clear 4.5 ft fences so I had to do secondary as well. I have a fast running river with rapids at the back of my property of they went to it they would be swept away so I have to keep all my water fowl grounded.

 

[Pyxis]

I have a Roman Tufted x Embden gander and Embden x Toulouse goose. At first only clipped the primary flight feathers and they could still clear 4.5 ft fences so I had to do secondary as well. I have a fast running river with rapids at the back of my property of they went to it they would be swept away so I have to keep all my water fowl grounded.

Wow, I really wouldn't expect anything that is part embden to be able to fly. They are a big, heavy goose. Even my purebred tufted Romans can only get about four to six feet into the air.

 

[K.Riggs]

Wow, I really wouldn't expect anything that is part embden to be able to fly. They are a big, heavy goose. Even my purebred tufted Romans can only get about four to six feet into the air.

I know!! I assumed they wouldn't be able to because people kept saying domestic geese cannot fly. I am so glad i asked the owners of the farm when I got them. When they told me how well they flew I nearly fell over!!

 

[K.Riggs]

And yes my gander in particular is very big!

 

[Pyxis]

I know!! I assumed they wouldn't be able to because people kept saying domestic geese cannot fly. I am so glad i asked the owners of the farm when I got them. When they told me how well they flew I nearly fell over!!

That is crazy! How much do you think they weigh? An embden gander on average weighs about 31 pounds, much too heavy to fly. Toulouse usually weigh around 20 pounds, which should also be too big. I wonder if they aren't really what you were told.

That's what happened to me with my Canada goose crosses. I was told they were pure American Buffs. Well, they weren't, lol. They flew so well that they both have flown off and joined a flock of Canada geese.

 

[Pyxis]

Oh, on the topic of clipping wings, in case the OP does have to do it - only one wing should be clipped. This leaves the bird off balance and unable to fly. Clipping both leaves them in balance and they will likely still be able to fly, just not as high or as long as before the clip.

 

[K.Riggs]

I only clip one wing on my geese and ducks yes. I am pretty confident they are what they say. They are HEAVY big birds I cannot really explain why they can fly so well but I they can.

 

[OneMountainAcres]

These are my boys, Sunshine and Lollipop. I got then as day old goslings from the local feed mill. I believe that Sunshine is an African and Lollipop is Chinese. I didn't plan on them or get them to be flock guardians, I just hearkened to be blindsided by cute that day when I walked in lol. They imprinted strongly on us and view my husband and I as mom and dad and our daughter as their sister (they don't like our son though). And while we didn't plan on them being flock guardians, they have taken up the job. They patrol the yard, chase away dogs, and keep an eye on the sky. Sometimes, we'll see Sunshine staring up at the sky, focused on a distant airplane lol. They live in the coop with the chickens and ducks and get along well with everyone, though they all respect the geese and know that they're in charge. They don't really get along with the turkeys though.

Lollipop on the right, Sunshine on the left

Sunshine, posing nicely, Lollipop photo bomb

Sunshine, playing in the water

 

[Abraeri]

Domestic geese cannot fly, so you don't have to clip their wings or worry about them flying off. Ganders can get aggressive during the breeding season, so be aware of that. My geese have never acted aggressive towards me. You probably don't have to worry about your geese attacking you, aside from maybe an aggressive gander during the breeding season.

Their care isn't too different from ducks, but they are primarily grass eaters, meaning they need to have access to grazing. They will eat mostly grass when it's available, as well as munch on whatever feed you provide when they want to.

Also, it's been mentioned, but geese won't really 'guard' or 'protect' other birds, in the sense that they're not going to try to engage or fight off a predator. Their size may deter a smaller predator from trying an attack, but all they'll really do is alert loudly at the sight of a predator. So if you're around you'll know something is wrong and can go outside and investigate, but if you're not around and a predator decides to attack, it's probably still going to get a bird.

Will they eat the same feed the ducks eat? We have plenty of grass where they can free-range