Housing for geese

[DulcyDoll]

I have 3 goslings that will...eventually..need to be moved outside. I have yet to build them a pen..but I am working on it lol( they are still hatching)

So my question, Would a plastic trashcan holder work for closing them in at night? The link below is the exact one we have here (got it free with a couple pygmy goats a couple years ago)
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000063084...R&tag=nextag-lawngarden-delta-20&linkCode=asn

The doors lock shut, and I would put something heavy on the top to keep predators out.

 

[aaronzclark]

I think that would be great in the pen for a shelter but not to lock them up in all night

 

[TennesseeTruly]

That would get entirely too hot at night to close them up in. You also need some kind of ventilation for them. A night shelter doesn't need to be a whole big blown out thing. 4 walls, a ceiling and a floor that's able to be locked securely is fine.

Laurie

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

We made a 4 x 8 foot house similar to the picture. It had two open doors and a floor. You could use that if you had some sort of windows in it. You will find the two open doors make cleaning the pen alot easier. Another trick I learned is every night give them a special treat when you put them away (I used a bright yellow bowl) When they saw that bowl go inside their house they made a bee line inside. It saves the usual geese or duck roundup.

 

[DulcyDoll]

It has a window cut out on one side, covered with 1/4x1/4 inch wire, was like that when we got it. What if I made another window on the opposite side, and put a small fan in it to circulate air?

I need something easily moveable, as I plan on moving the pen once a month, and this thing isn't too heavy.

What modifications do you suggest to make it a suitable "coop"

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

I'm not sure where you are from - but, maybe contact a feed store near you that may sell home made dog houses. I use these and I love them. The roof can be lifted off, the door is lockable (very important), and I drill holes in the sides for extra ventalition. My geese do really well in them...I just have to add a ramp. They are about 4 feet tall, 3 feet wide, and about 3.5 fee deep. The roof is shingled and I paid less than $100 for each of them. They do come unpainted though. Ask around or check on Craig's list for used dog houses with lockable doors or be sure if they don't have a door you can add one. I don't think you want to use plastic. Wood is more comfortable for them. Warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

I teach my geese from a very early age that "time to go to bed"...means head for the dog (goose) house. Mine even "sort" themselves into the correct groups for bed time. They are very trainable and pretty darn smart. I hope you enjoy your babies/geese as much as I do mine...keep us posted.

Edit: I place mine on pallets so they are up off the ground. They are not as light as plastic but, not that difficult to move. Good Luck!