What are some not-so-aggressive breeds?

[bucolic beauty]

I apologize if this question has been asked multiple times but I looked through several pages and couldn't find anything of relation. Anyway, I'd like to add a few geese to our flock of chickens and two ducks (we're actually considering greatly reducing our chicken flock and increasing the ducks and adding geese to the mix) and was curious if there were any breeds that are less aggressive than others? I have two small(ish) children - they're eight and almost seven - and don't want them to have to be afraid of going outside for fear of being chased by geese. Oh, and I do understand that all breeds get a little testy and feisty during mating season. That's fine. I'll just make sure they stay away from them during that time. I'll just be sure to arm myself with a tennis racket.

Thank you in advance.

 

[Kevin565]

Cotton Patch, Pilgrim, Pomeranians are all known for being more calm than others but any goose breed has the potential to be a great pet especially if imprinted.

 

[wowmanacat]

I am also looking to add geese to my flock of animals. I am looking for something that will be like "guard" geese but still be good with me and my husband. I was thinking if I hatched the eggs my self and played with them as they grew up they would or might be a bit better. please I really would like to know.

 

[poultry09]

My american buffs are very very friendly and alwase great me when I get home from school, they are alwase alert and paying atention to thier surroundings, they are not afraid to be around me, and I have only been hissed at once and thats when I didnt see her on her nest and I walked right past her (about a foot away)

good luck on your search for the right breed for you

 

[pete55]

We find the Dewlap Toulouse very calm and friendly. My children help with the chores and have no problem with them, big softies really.

 

[bucolic beauty]

Thank you so much for your help, everyone. Sounds like it will be either the Buff or the Pilgrim if we purchase them from Metzer. The Dewlap Toulouse sound wonderful but are definitely out of our price range.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Any breed will have nice manners if they are trained correctly. Temperament is going to vary by the source. Some breeders are careful to breed for temperament and some don't care.

I'm not so sure about this imprinting stuff. It seems to me like all the people with behavior problems are raising their geese to be spoiled pets.

No goose can guard. All they can do is set up a ruckus when you have invaders and then the people of the flock must go outside and deal with it.

 

[wowmanacat]

Any breed will have nice manners if they are trained correctly. Temperament is going to vary by the source. Some breeders are careful to breed for temperament and some don't care.

I'm not so sure about this imprinting stuff. It seems to me like all the people with behavior problems are raising their geese to be spoiled pets.

No goose can guard. All they can do is set up a ruckus when you have invaders and then the people of the flock must go outside and deal with it.

This is what I am looking for. When I am in my house right now I have no idea if something is in the yard. I can not stay outside all day to watch my animals I have animals in the house. I really hope things will be better once we move.

 

[jynxster]

Cotton Patch, although hard to find, Pilgrim, also hard to get, toulouse and pmeranians too. I love my cotton patch gander. He is 2 yrs old and was almost killed by several other younger ganders at his last home. I wanted pilgrims coouldnt find any so on a couple wait lists and ordered three toulouse cause I too want mellow docile birds. At my place there are no male threats and is the sweetest goose I ever met. they can fly though if frightened.I also know that my Rhode Island red chickens and Americanus chickens adore me. they follow me and want to be petted plus the eggs are nice Blue and brown.

 

[wagoncab]

I have 2 Emden geese (I think...They are the white one with blue eyes). We raised them from
tiny babies. Loved them, spoiled them. They have grown up to very beautiful EVIL creatures.
It's worse now with breeding sesaon. They are not friendly at all.
I am considering a pair of Pilgrim Goslings next month. Our CO-OP will have a few.
Cindy