What is the smallest goose available?

[AliciaM]

Im thinking of getting a pair of geese, but Id like to keep them kinda small.. Is there any particular breed that doesnt get to big and are reasonably friendly? That will get along with chickens and call ducks and my 5 yr old daughter??

 

[Kevin565]

Oregon mini geese?

 

[Kim65]

Chinese geese are the smallest breed I know of, maybe ten pounds at the fattest. I know of the Oregon mini's but don't know the size relative to the Chinese.

Chinese are the loudest geese (so I've heard) with the most vocalization, but they are also known to be the best "pet" geese in terms of temperament and getting along with others.

Whatever kind you get, make sure that they are raised with lots of exposure to the other birds, even direct exposure once they are old enough to go outside. And have you daughter handle and cuddle and "play" with the geese as much as she wants so they will imprint on her. The only thing about children and geese is that children might hold a gosling too tightly around the ribs and accidentally suffocate them, but other than that, they need lots of contact from her and you every day for them to stay friendly.

A goose that is "used" to you, ie, sees you every day, but doesn't bond with you, can become aggressive later. The ganders, mostly. They are familiar and therefore not afraid of you. My poor adult daughter discovered this with my gander Petey Peters.

 

[tnchickenut]

Chinese.... I love the white.

 

[AliciaM]

If I got only one gosling, a female, would it be ok? or should I get a pair??

 

[jeremy]

You have to remember, they're flock animals, so a pair would probably be best. Not necessarily a male and a female, two females would fare just fine. IMO.

 

[destiny_56085]

Egyptian and Cackler geese are smaller than the Chinese. I've never dealt with the Cacklers, but have only seen them at swaps. They look almost like a miniature Canadian. The Egyptians that I have seen are all beautifull but very aggressive especially during mating season.

 

[Tunastopper]

This is what Holderreads catalog says.

Oregon Mini Geese (Sold only as adults)
The Oregon Minis were developed here at Holderread Waterfowl Farm & Preservation
Center and are the smallest domestic true geese we know of. When in good condition (but not
fat) typical weights are 6-8 pounds, with the smallest individuals so far weighing 4-5 pounds.
We consider small stature more important than weight because weight of individuals can vary
by 50% depending on time of year, diet and level of exercise. Our selection emphasis is on
hardiness, conformation and small size; color is of secondary consideration. Currently, we
are breeding them in three auto-sexing varieties (Pilgrim, Belted, and Saddleback) and five
non-auto-sexing colors (White, Splashed, Belted, Saddleback and Gray). Extremely quick
to mature, goslings feather out at a younger age than other breeds. When fully mature,
females typically lay 6-10 eggs prior to commencing incubation. We’ve had pairs hatch two
clutches some years.

 

[sydney13]

shetland, cotton patch, roman or egyptian are pretty small

 

[banter]

Oregon Mini geese are 8-10 lbs. I have one that is only six pounds.