Shetland Geese

[nissa_loves_cats]

Does anyone raise Shetland geese? I've been interested since I raise Shetland sheep. I have a Pilgrim goose--- well, a gander--- now, but I've been seriously thinking about switching to Shetlands so they'll match my sheep. I'm wondering if there are any breed specific things I should know about Shetlands.

I'm particularly interested if there are any Shetland goose breeders in Northeast Wisconsin or central/southern upper Michigan.

 

[Kevin565]

Are you aware that unlike most breeds Shetlands are actually excellent fliers?

 

[nissa_loves_cats]

I had suspected that, since they are a smaller breed. I was planning to clip their wings when I wanted them to stay in their pen.

 

[mominoz]

I currently have 7 Shetlands from Holderreads. 3 are a year plus and the other four are this springs hatch. The newer ones had more time with me as their pen wasn't done and I had them living in garage longer and carried them around longer. They think I am mom. the others are 'spookier" but are improving as I didn't handle them as much. I really like them, but they are I'd say at this stage, "fiestier', like a lot of smaller , lighter boned animals/birds.They will nip at the ducks a bit when I bring the food bucket, in evening when I put everyone in. I pinoned mine, but I watched 2 get a bit off the ground today, as they flapped out of the horse area. My African pair, loves them (they were raised together and "protects them" other shetlands. They are pretty little birds and don't eat much, and the females have interesting patterns.

 

[nissa_loves_cats]

They sound pretty nice. I hope to order some from Holderreads in the spring, since I haven't seen any hatching eggs available on Ebay.