Which geese to get and where?

[roboboy]

Also... I know that adults are goose and gander (as the saying goes) but aren't littles called Cobs and Pens as in cockerels and pullets, and a unisex answer is gosling...??

No. Cobs and Pens are used to identify the gender of swans. Goslings are usually described as either a young gander or a young goose.

Geese are lots of fun hope you can find some you enjoy.

 

[ashandvine]

This has been really helpful. Now, another question. I thought that some geese were descended from swans and so that was why they were called Cobs and Pens. The other 'line' of geese is from a wild goose... right?

I have Pomeranians, Tolousse and Buffs to choose from here, all about 5-6 weeks old. I LOVE geese and ducks (don't tell my chickens)! I keep reading that the Buffs are pretty laid back and social. Next year I will buy myself an early mother's day gift and get a Sebastapol from a lady in TN. I am leaning toward a trio of Tufted Buff geese right now. The Tolouse have such pretty beaks! I really need a trust fund for poultry!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

You keep saying buffs so I am going to guess American Buffs? As many breeds of geese come in buff coloring.

We have Americans in blue, lavender and buff. Very sweet so far. They aren't as in our face social as other breeds are, but they mind well when being moved between areas and graze all day long.

Our production (utility) Toulouse are large birds, quiet unless startled, but the first to tell new goslings turned out they are the boss.

The Dewlap Toulouse are still just goslings feathering in, but the gander is bold and not afraid of the adult geese in the least. As a flock the four of them have no problem walking away from everyone else in their pasture and doing their own thing.

Sebastopols are by far my favorites. The entire flock is just fun to be around and watch. The ganders are watchful and always alert. The girls are chatty little nibby nose things always telling you about their day. They completely ignore the chickens and look at them like they aren't worthy.


Out of all of the breeds we have the Dewlap Toulouse will do the least amount of grazing over a large area. The Americans, Production Toulouse and Sebbies all cover a wider area.

We do have a couple of ganders who don't like the chickens near them. Otherwise we have chickens, ducks and geese all sharing free range together. The geese help keep green space maintained for us, so less mowing. They will find and eliminate weeds in the yards completely, which is wonderful. The adults were Rabin the rear yard only last year and we never mowed from July to current. They are out front right now, so we need to run the mower in the rear space again.

Under fruit trees you will love how well they trim, and when fruit drops they will play clean up on the apples too.


Utility or production type birds were created for meat production

All young geese are goslings.

I wouldn't rush into geese just because there are a limited number available in your area right now. I would keep doing research on the breeds, figure out what you like visually and what will work with where you live. Get the housing ready, cause they grow faster than any chicken or duck and will need their house ready sooner rather than later. Then you will primed with all the benefits to share with hubby and be ready for spring hatchlings.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Oh and I forgot to mention, we have a 17 month old son who can walk around the geese grazing here without issue. He is always with one of us, knows to stick his hand out and say NO firmly too. He also has a short (1.5-2') long 1/4" PVC pipe he carries. We use them as shapherds poles when herding so all of the geese know to move as a group.

We have two African geese who I wouldn't trust around the baby, but they live in the pasture and do a good job running off unwanted wild birds.

 

[ashandvine]

Oh, what wonderful descriptions. Yes, I meant Tufted Buffs. Sorry for the misnomer. We do have housing but I am a little worried to have goslings out with my big Ams just yet (Ameraucanas). I can't say what I love about them, maybe its just the graceful curving of their neck or their swaying... The Emdens were so pretty, with their intelligent blue eyes looking to the sky, or the orange beaks and feet, how they meandered through the yard, quiet and serene. I loved how they would nibble their feathers and shake their heads in the water to clear their nostrils. I even liked the sound of their feathers rustling together when they shook themselves out. It was such a treat to have a little snack in hand or go to the barn and have them come flapping enthusiasticaly to get there faster, with their necks outstretched! They were like lightening ghosts on summer days under the tree shade. Curious, full of personality. Oh. Yeah. I liked tossing split tomatoes to them from the garden and warming cold fingers in their feathers in winter. I don't know. I just like them I guess.I'll keep reading...

 

[aoxa]

I love my toulouse babies. They are easy keepers, quiet, docile, and get along well with strangers, kids, ducks, cats and even my sweet old dog.

I agree! The Toulouse is very friendly and attaches to humans VERY easily. I have two dewlap buff toulouse that are now 3 weeks old, and they follow me everywhere!

They grow so fast!

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

I reccomend seperate housing for the geese. Come spring time when and if the goose goes broody (and they can and do even on infertile eggs)and the gander (if you have one) is protecting her and the "nest" the chickens will banned from that location by the geese. No need to have the head ache of chickens not wanting to goto bed at night because of a moody goose.

Their housing needs are very basic. Shelter from elements, no insulation needed as they have on down coats. Dog house style with a door that is secure to predators. We are building new duck and goose houses currently. Slop roof, higher in front than back for water shedding. Vents on both sides and read. Door in the center of the front on hinges and secure latch for at night. The basic design can be made large and or smaller as needed. You can paint or stain and trim to make as fancy or plain as you see fit.

 

[aoxa]

I reccomend seperate housing for the geese. Come spring time when and if the goose goes broody (and they can and do even on infertile eggs)and the gander (if you have one) is protecting her and the "nest" the chickens will banned from that location by the geese. No need to have the head ache of chickens not wanting to goto bed at night because of a moody goose.
Their housing needs are very basic. Shelter from elements, no insulation needed as they have on down coats. Dog house style with a door that is secure to predators. We are building new duck and goose houses currently. Slop roof, higher in front than back for water shedding. Vents on both sides and read. Door in the center of the front on hinges and secure latch for at night. The basic design can be made large and or smaller as needed. You can paint or stain and trim to make as fancy or plain as you see fit.

I'm having a hard time figuring out if you are talking to me or the OP

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Aoxa, it's their thread so yes I am talking to them. I try and not get conversations confused by starting a new one with someone else on the thread starters post. I thought it was pretty clear as she mentioned not trusting the adult chickens with goslings at first. So I was mentioning not housing them together.
.
Free ranging seems to work fine with space for everyone to move around though.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I agree! The Toulouse is very friendly and attaches to humans VERY easily.
I have two dewlap buff toulouse that are now 3 weeks old, and they follow me everywhere!

They grow so fast!

I love your goslings!! Congrats..