Sell me on a goose breed

[FathertoFeathers]

I was thinking about getting some hatching eggs but I'm still split about what breeds to get. I would only like a trio. My problem is I have neighbors so I don't want a very loud goose. What goose breed would you recommend that isn't very loud? I was considering Toulouse, Pilgrim, Embden or even a Sebastopol. I love the look of a Sebastopol but im worried about it getting overheated here in Memphis. What have been your favorite goose breeds? Thank you guys so much! Stay safe!

 

[DiYMama540]

Cotton Patch geese!!
They are small (for a goose), beautiful, and in critical need of conservation! Also, if you decide to breed them it could turn out to be fairly profitable You can be one of the few, the proud, the CPG owners

Here's some photos of my gander Chance for further convincing

He makes a great Papa goose!

He likes to stay up to date with social media trends

He's also really good at making mud holes...

 

[Miss Lydia]

That’s hilarious and so cute!

 

[DiYMama540]

As if the noodling with his beak wasn't bad enough...he has to use his feet too!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I love it! ❤

 

[DiYMama540]

I love it! ❤

I can loan him to you to make mud holes all over your place just say the word....have to make room for him and his kids though!

 

[Pinckney]

Geese aren’t quiet!! I’ve had CPG, Shetland, and Pomeranians. Loved all 3 breeds. Chinese are known to be particularly loud so cross them off the list.
Consider size. An Embden or other large breed might be too intimidating during breeding season. Toulouse info here https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/toulouse
Read the profiles of the other breeds on that site. You didn’t mention Romans and they are another breed to consider.
Don’t even think about Shetlands as there are so few left anywhere in the world. I’ve been trying to get a gander for my goose for years with zero luck. I know who sells goslings but they have trouble getting goslings. I’ve even gone so far as looking to import from Europe. Even that is challenging.
Consider traits breeders are breeding for. Are they quality bred? Do they breed with temperament in mind? Probe the breeder to see if they are just pumping out babies or are they actually trying to at least maintain the quality of the breed. Do you want pets or are you trying to preserve or show? If you want just a trio you probably fit into the first category, not the second, and maybe the third but not long term. This will determine how choosy you need to be in sourcing your eggs.
Keep in mind geese live a long time. Plan on your geese living at least 10 years. Can you commit to that?
I didn’t really answer your question yet. Here’s the thing. You could source your eggs from someone who doesn’t breed for what you really want. Another breeder could. And you’ll never know what you’re missing, right? If I were to recommend a breed I’d say go for one of the smaller breeds and chose by looks and what’s available locally. Pickup eggs, don’t have them shipped. Search Craigslist or post on your local feed store board for eggs- not much time left for this year. Or contact someone who has already posted. They can then answer any newbie questions you have.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I can loan him to you to make mud holes all over your place just say the word....have to make room for him and his kids though!

Well Sam and Missy may not dance in puddles, but I have 16 ducks that will drill and play in a puddle in a split sec. You just go ahead and keep your guys.

 

[FathertoFeathers]

Geese aren’t quiet!! I’ve had CPG, Shetland, and Pomeranians. Loved all 3 breeds. Chinese are known to be particularly loud so cross them off the list.
Consider size. An Embden or other large breed might be too intimidating during breeding season. Toulouse info here https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/toulouse
Read the profiles of the other breeds on that site. You didn’t mention Romans and they are another breed to consider.
Don’t even think about Shetlands as there are so few left anywhere in the world. I’ve been trying to get a gander for my goose for years with zero luck. I know who sells goslings but they have trouble getting goslings. I’ve even gone so far as looking to import from Europe. Even that is challenging.
Consider traits breeders are breeding for. Are they quality bred? Do they breed with temperament in mind? Probe the breeder to see if they are just pumping out babies or are they actually trying to at least maintain the quality of the breed. Do you want pets or are you trying to preserve or show? If you want just a trio you probably fit into the first category, not the second, and maybe the third but not long term. This will determine how choosy you need to be in sourcing your eggs.
Keep in mind geese live a long time. Plan on your geese living at least 10 years. Can you commit to that?
I didn’t really answer your question yet. Here’s the thing. You could source your eggs from someone who doesn’t breed for what you really want. Another breeder could. And you’ll never know what you’re missing, right? If I were to recommend a breed I’d say go for one of the smaller breeds and chose by looks and what’s available locally. Pickup eggs, don’t have them shipped. Search Craigslist or post on your local feed store board for eggs- not much time left for this year. Or contact someone who has already posted. They can then answer any newbie questions you have.

Thank you so much. I have thought about Roman geese before but considering how they were used as guards and alerted to intruders in the past I was worried about them being loud and talkative. I wanted them as pets really. How loud are they if you had to compare them to something else. Are they louder than a rooster? If they are I don't think my neighbors will appreciate a rooster and geese. Have you had any experience with Sebastopol geese? Those and pilgrims are the ones Im the most interested in.

 

[FathertoFeathers]

Well Sam and Missy may not dance in puddles, but I have 16 ducks that will drill and play in a puddle in a split sec. You just go ahead and keep your guys.

My goodness do my ducks drill in the mud puddles!