Myth or not? Breeding geese and water depth?

[erinszoo]

We have had our geese for a year now and as first time geese owners we have been learning all sorts of things over the last year about them. We know we have a pair, male and female, and they have played at mating but not actually mated yet. Recently we saw a show on PBS that said geese need at least 24 inches of water to be able to breed. Has anyone else ever heard this? Is there a reason why this would be true?

 

[brahmabreeder]

I have read this before for larger ducks. It is probably because the female would have a hard time balancing the male long enough if they were on land. I have no clue if this is true.

 

[roboboy]

Having water to breed in can help with fertility, but it is not needed. They will breed successfully without it.