What breed of goose should I get?

[Fluffnut]

I am planning on getting a goose this year, if all goes well. There are no affordable breeders near me so I'm thinking I will buy from Metzer's, which I have never used before but seems good quality. I cannot have the noisiest ones where I live, so I am thinking a Buff would be best. But on metzer's website they label pilgrim geese as very calm, and they are smaller so that could be better. I am going to keep them with my ducks, and I have already had two drakes so as long as the noise level isn't regularly louder than that... but I have never had geese so what do you all advise? Just would like something quieter and not likely to be homicidal.

 

[AGeese]

I heard Pilgrims are talkers.

 

[Fluffnut]

I heard Pilgrims are talkers.

Yep, I think I read that on here. But for some reason they’re labeled “very calm”, so thought I ought to check.

 

[Artizen Farm]

I've loved all my geese: Toulouse, African, and Embden - and they've all been pretty loud. Especially when they are being defensive, that's what I call the "goose alarm" (as opposed to the "dog alarm") - for me that's a feature with the benefit of farm security, but I understand in an area populated with easily irritated humans it might be considered a bug (problem)...

 

[Callender Girl]

I have two American Buff geese and I LOVE them! I don't think they are overly loud, and while they will "herd" the runner ducks by walking up behind them and marching them around, they don't attack them.

Both girls walk around like they own the place, but a single chicken can intimidate them. Gussie, the sweet one, will allow me to pick her up if necessary; Golly, the not-as-sweet, objects strenuously and will use her wings to let me know she is not to be handled.

Good luck with whatever you decide, because geese are great!

 

[AGeese]

Have you considered Cotton Patch geese?

 

[Fluffnut]

I've loved all my geese: Toulouse, African, and Embden - and they've all been pretty loud. Especially when they are being defensive, that's what I call the "goose alarm" (as opposed to the "dog alarm") - for me that's a feature with the benefit of farm security, but I understand in an area populated with easily irritated humans it might be considered a bug (problem)...

I did consider that- as long as they are not as loud and as often as a crowing rooster it should be okay? I’ve dealt with that issue and it’s definitely a few decibels above acceptable!

 

[Fluffnut]

Have you considered Cotton Patch geese?

Actually I haven’t. I’ve heard of them, but not seen them on a lot of sites. What are they like?

 

[Fluffnut]

I have two American Buff geese and I LOVE them! I don't think they are overly loud, and while they will "herd" the runner ducks by walking up behind them and marching them around, they don't attack them.

Both girls walk around like they own the place, but a single chicken can intimidate them. Gussie, the sweet one, will allow me to pick her up if necessary; Golly, the not-as-sweet, objects strenuously and will use her wings to let me know she is not to be handled.

Good luck with whatever you decide, because geese are great!

Yes! My hens do not take kindly to being bossed (especially by the puppy), but since I got drakes I have the waterfowl separated. Honestly I think my ducks could use a bit of herding Thank you!

 

[ColtHandorf]

I am planning on getting a goose this year, if all goes well. There are no affordable breeders near me so I'm thinking I will buy from Metzer's, which I have never used before but seems good quality. I cannot have the noisiest ones where I live, so I am thinking a Buff would be best. But on metzer's website they label pilgrim geese as very calm, and they are smaller so that could be better. I am going to keep them with my ducks, and I have already had two drakes so as long as the noise level isn't regularly louder than that... but I have never had geese so what do you all advise? Just would like something quieter and not likely to be homicidal.

My friends have Pilgrims and they talk a lot. And scream at me. My Buffs are fairly quiet. My Pomeranians, not so much.