Questions about a pair of male geese…

[Parkerchandler]

Greetings to all.
I inherited a pair of geese, both male, when purchasing our new homestead. They were residing in a pond adjacent to our property. Waters edge is a few feet from the property line. The property is unoccupied ( other than the two ganders) undeveloped and boggy.
So, I noticed the two had been grazing my yard and frequently seeking handouts on a regular basis. They seem to enjoy my presence but are still a bit wary.
Problem: this is second winter with these rascals. They begin in December roaming across the road to the open field opposite our property. This field develops a large pool of water and drains into the watershed, (the pond) adjacent to me.
These geese get in the road, harass passing cars, refuse to give way, hiss, holler, honk and engage in generally bad behavior. I tried placing balloons and foil pans to keep them from roaming but to no avail. My wife is convinced someone will sue us (they’re not our geese) if they cause an accident. I asked the local DNR for help and they, “don’t deal with feral/orphans.”
They also get more aggressive with me even though they know me well.
Any ideas, advice, suggestions are welcome!

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Can you try posting them to local Facebook poultry groups and see if anybody might come and trap them and take them home?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Only thing you can do to keep them from causing an accident or being run over and killed is fencing. They aren't going to be happy but they will eventually get used to fencing and they will be safe along with anyone traveling along the road.

 

[Parkerchandler]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
Can you try posting them to local Facebook poultry groups and see if anybody might come and trap them and take them home?

No… I’m not a Facebook user and I don’t want someone to take them and turn them into stew. Once they’re gone that’s it…

 

[Miss Lydia]

Try here if not wanting to keep them
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/animals-in-need-of-free-re-homing.16182/

 

[Parkerchandler]

Only thing you can do to keep them from causing an accident or being run over and killed is fencing. They aren't going to be happy but they will eventually get used to fencing and they will be safe along with anyone traveling along the road.

Well, I’d be willing, but these boys can fly. I don’t think I could build a fence high enough

 

[SilverBirds]

Welcome to BYC!

Geese kind of have a reputation for their bad behavior. It's who they are, and not something that can be changed. If you are worried that they will hurt someone or get hurt themselves, you could try to trap and rehome them. The other option is to fence them in on your property or build a shelter/run for them and claim them as yours. I hope you can find a solution that works.

 

[SilverBirds]

Well, I’d be willing, but these boys can fly. I don’t think I could build a fence high enough

You can always build a run and cover the top. Or you can try wing trimming.

 

[swampfox440]

I agree with @Miss Lydia. Welcome to BYC! and @SilverBirds.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I had an Embden gander for 14 yrs lost him last Feb they can def be a handful especially during breeding season and that is starting now. My boy was so ornery but I loved that big guy. Building a pen for them and covering the top would keep them safe and out of the road. They def need someone to care for them. Probably once they were being fed every day and cared for they wouldn't be so inclined to fly. My Embden never once tried to fly.