Research questions

[Miss Lydia]

Geese enjoy water. Not as much as ducks, but still, there's a reason they're called waterfowl.

I've read that for geese, swimming is a social activity. I think it's true; my goose enjoys water much more and much longer when I put on waders and hop in with her.

My geese absolutely love water. Since we have been having spring in fall they have had their pool much longer than previous years and even with ice over top in the morning here come the geese all 4 get in melt the ice and after each one has had a good bath and splashed most of the water out they let the ducks have a turn.

 

[GandalfGoose]

My geese really do love the water. I agree that it seems to be a social activity with them because when one goes to the pool they all go and have to talk about it with each other. I would say that geese and ducks love water equally just that geese are different in their manner of using and attitude toward water then are ducks, from what I have experienced. I think that the American buffs are a lovely breed and I think I would have been better off starting with them, but I do love my Pomeranians anyway! I think that the best starter breed is the one that you like the best!

 

[Carrosaur]

My geese really do love the water. I agree that it seems to be a social activity with them because when one goes to the pool they all go and have to talk about it with each other. I would say that geese and ducks love water equally just that geese are different in their manner of using and attitude toward water then are ducks, from what I have experienced. I think that the American buffs are a lovely breed and I think I would have been better off starting with them, but I do love my Pomeranians anyway! I think that the best starter breed is the one that you like the best! 

Love Poms! They can be a bit standoff-ish and even aggressive, but raised right they are so sweet!

 

[revans2003]

Wow, thank you all for the replies!!!

Quote:
I noticed that Metzer only sells them in male/female pairs, is that because of the endangered status?

Quote:
What traits makes them better for beginners? I am open to a different breed. Noise isn't *too much* of an issue but I would prefer a breed that isn't honking there heads off at 100% volume all the time. Currently my khakis only quack when there annoyed or hungry (During the afternoon they don't quack once if I am not out there), do gooses honk randomly or only when socializing or disturbed or what is your experience?


The Goosies (new word!) will be living in the outdoor duck yard (now a poultry yard?) which is about 30-40 feet long and 20 feet wide. There is a 100 gallon and a 400 gallon pond. My Khakis live permanently in the 100 gallon pond, and I don't know how long the four ducklings I have will stay in the larger pond so pond space may or may not be an issue. I built the pond for a 1800 gallon capacity and dropped a 400 gallon pre-formed liner in it. That way I can remove the pre form, drop a regular liner and increase the pond size in a weekend. The filtration system is also designed to be easily converted to a traditional liner so I am covered for pond size if I need more.

 

[Carrosaur]

Wow, thank you all for the replies!!!


I noticed that Metzer only sells them in male/female pairs, is that because of the endangered status?


What traits makes them better for beginners? I am open to a different breed. Noise isn't *too much* of an issue but I would prefer a breed that isn't honking there heads off at 100% volume all the time. Currently my khakis only quack when there annoyed or hungry (During the afternoon they don't quack once if I am not out there), do gooses honk randomly or only when socializing or disturbed or what is your experience?


The Goosies (new word!) will be living in the outdoor duck yard (now a poultry yard?) which is about 30-40 feet long and 20 feet wide. There is a 100 gallon and a 400 gallon pond. My Khakis live permanently in the 100 gallon pond, and I don't know how long the four ducklings I have will stay in the larger pond so pond space may or may not be an issue. I built the pond for a 1800 gallon capacity and dropped a 400 gallon pre-formed liner in it. That way I can remove the pre form, drop a regular liner and increase the pond size in a weekend. The filtration system is also designed to be easily converted to a traditional liner so I am covered for pond size if I need more.

Most likely because they are endangered. Pilgrims are extremely friendly (compared to other breeds) they are not huge, the males are white and the females are gray, all around great!

I had four geese in a 75x30 pen and they destroyed all the grass, be prepared for it to turn it into mud!

Those pools sound great!

 

[revans2003]

Most likely because they are endangered. Pilgrims are extremely friendly (compared to other breeds) they are not huge, the males are white and the females are gray, all around great!

I had four geese in a 75x30 pen and they destroyed all the grass, be prepared for it to turn it into mud!

Those pools sound great!

I have pre-planned to the best of my ability. There is a yard drainage system in place that, I am hopeful, will help mitigate standing water. Though I expect damp dirt most of the time

Are pilgrims more friendly than Buff's or along the same lines? They seem somewhat comparable based on the academic research I have done, but I don't have firsthand knowledge.

 

[Carrosaur]

I have pre-planned to the best of my ability. There is a yard drainage system in place that, I am hopeful, will help mitigate standing water. Though I expect damp dirt most of the time

Are pilgrims more friendly than Buff's or along the same lines? They seem somewhat comparable based on the academic research I have done, but I don't have firsthand knowledge.

I think out of all the breeds buffs and pilgrims are the most similar temperament wise than any other breed. You will definitely be happy with either one, or both! I'm personally buying three Americans this spring (Buff, Lavender, Blue), maybe one day Pilgrims. Keep me posted what you decide to buy!

 

[Miss Lydia]

@revans2003 you say your ducks live permanently in the pond don't they ever come out?

I have 1 Buff American and honestly she is as mean to the rest of the flock as my Toulouse and Embden. They all have attitude.

 

[revans2003]

@revans2003
   you say your ducks live permanently in the pond don't they ever come out?

I have 1 Buff American and honestly she is as mean to the rest of the flock as my Toulouse and Embden. They all have attitude.

Almost! From 6am to 5pm i rarely see them outside the pond. I feed them at night so they have no incentive to get out. Realistically I'm sure they do. It's cute to see them sleeping being pushed around gently by the filter current

 

[Miss Lydia]

Almost! From 6am to 5pm i rarely see them outside the pond. I feed them at night so they have no incentive to get out. Realistically I'm sure they do. It's cute to see them sleeping being pushed around gently by the filter current

I started to ask you if you had floating feeders. lol You'll have to post some pics of them.