Which Breed of Geese is Best Suited for Me?

[fawndane]

Hello! I live on a small, 3-4 acre farm, and in March I am planning on buying and raising geese for watchdog, entertainment, and possibly egg purposes. So, here’s what I got..

I am wanting a flightless breed, so it will not migrate, or fly away.

I am wanting a friendly breed.

I am wanting a breed that will scare off predators.

Also, would it be safe for the geese to free-range in my yard, not kept in the enclosure? (And will they eat my herbs and flowers?) If it is safe, and they won’t, then I would be interested in a breed that will eat weeds, too.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

I don't have any goose advice, I only keep chicks and ducks, sorry.
But,one thing I do know is:cover those herbs and flowers.Those geese will be in there in a snap of a second.

 

[fawndane]

I don't have any goose advice, I only keep chicks and ducks, sorry.
But,one thing I do know is:cover those herbs and flowers.Those geese will be in there in a snap of a second.

Haha..! Thanks for the info.

 

[Ryan Wiemken]

Probably would not get the Chinese geese in my opinion, for me they have not had the best temperament. Not to say all are that way though, genetics and surroundings play a lot in that role so experiences may vary. I have raised Africans, a vocal goose when something new comes near them. Also large so no owls/hawks will get it; might have issue with fox/coyote, not sure on coon. I have raised some Africans that were nasty mean from a hatchery and my other pair was pretty good from breeder. very good at eating weeds and grass. just look into it, environment will affect most of behavioral problems. Chinese are good layers from what I hear.

 

[Gray Farms]

The only truly flightless breed are Sebastopol's. Some other breeds are very unlikely to fly as they are just to large to get off the ground. Such as Exhibition Toulouse, Embdens, and Super Africans. Domestic geese do not migrate, the will stay in their pens all year. That's not to say a random domestic goose has never joined up with a wild flock and left. It has happened, but is highly unlikely.

Friendliness is more of an individual trait, not necessarily a breed trait. There are super friendly birds and very aggressive birds in every breed. Its all in how they are raised.

Geese are more of alarms rather than protectors. They may scare off small predators like possums or stray cats. But they stand no chance against larger predators like dogs, coyotes, bobcats, owls, and other birds of prey.

Geese will eat anything they find tasty. They will devour anything they like and won't touch other things. Its hard telling what they'll find edible until they come across it. They do will at free ranging as long as they're isn't situations they can get into trouble. Such as neighbors "and all that entails". They can wonder far in an afternoons time, you'll be surprised. I always recommend penning and free ranging under supervision only. And fencing off anything you don't want them to eat just to be sure.