Which goose breed? Update 6-18-11

[queenbeezz]

I have both Embdens and Brown Chinese. Both are loud with the Chinese a little less so. My Embdens are both hand raised. They look deceptively sweet and gentle. Not so. They chase and bite the dogs, hiss at me (never bite). I have had to boot the gander several times when he has challanged me. We now seem to have a truce, he can hiss all he wants as long as he stays out of range. The goose just stands back and watches but will come after you if she is nesting which is understandable.

The Chinese are much quieter, good watch geese and seem to be more people friendly. They seem to get along with everyone.

 

[Borncountry419]

Tufted Roman are probably my favorite now. They seem a lot smarter, sweeter, and quieter than other geese. My 3 year old sister loves playing with my birds, and my gander won't even bat an eye at her. I also like how they have a more natural look to them (minus the tuft). So yeah, if you want birds with awesome dispositions, I'd say go with the Romans.

 

[AllthingsG]

John Metzer does a great job - if the plain headed aren't available - the Tufted Roman's and Tufted Buffs that I have from Metzer's are awesome!! Beautiful AND sweet - and not very noisy at all! Good Luck in your quest - you'll love geese.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I have a gray Saddleback Pomeranian goose that is the most laid back bird I've ever met. However, I don't know if that is a breed characteristic or I just got really lucky. She doesn't get upset by anything. She's from Holderread.

Americans are supposed to be pretty easy going. I've got two hissy Blue American ganders, but I got them as adults and they needed to be retrained. I'm guessing that they thought I would throw down their food and run when they rushed at me. We reached an understanding about that; they decided we could do it my way. There was no fight about it. I called their bluff and that was the end of that.

The Blues are very smart and have pronounced personalities. There is some honking when they see the food coming. Other than that, not a lot of noise. They enjoy being talked to and will stand there with their heads tipped, listening. They are big bluffers and I've seen them rush fiercely at someone whose back was turned, walking away, on the other side of the fence. But turn around and look at them, and suddenly they remember they are interested in something else.

My blues were bred by Holderread but raised for a year by someone else.

I would recommend both the Americans and the Pomeranian, with the following caveat: I don't consider geese to be the best pets around children, unless the geese are properly trained and the children treat the geese with respect and don't tease them. Some children are OK with geese, some are not. So think about it carefully, especially if the children are small. Geese bites hurt and geese aren't careful when they are grabbing at food.

Holderread sells exceptionally good geese and ducks. Metzer is supposed to have some good Buff Americans, but I think they are sold out this year. Other than that, you can possibly get hatchery quality geese from Metzers, which is fine if that is all you want.

 

[rainy day ducks]

I just recently got a pair of American Blue goslings. I researched breeds whenever I had the chance. From what I read and have been told, characteristics of geese are the result of breed temperament and environment. You should choose the one you are most attracted to. I was torn between the Pilgrim, Sebastopol, Shetlands, or Americans. I decided to go with the American Blues because of their size, calm temperament, and beautiful colored plumage. I am a big believer in creating the right environment. I have effectively worked with some geese who appeared they were going to charge and bite. I met a abandoned goose once who ate bread out of my hand within the first few minutes of interaction. It was an American Buff. Most important is that you create a calm environment for the bird. They are easily impressioned and will remember everything!

As for noise... My ducks are mostly quiet but make noise when they catch sight of me. The ducks and the neighbor's chickens talk back and forth sometimes! It's pretty funny! I will let you know how the geese pan out!

 

[Eroc1_1]

I may have found someone that has Pilgrim Geese for sale. Waiting to hear back from them.

 

[Eroc1_1]

She got back to me and she has 1 male and 3 female that are 3 years old and the are sitting on eggs. So I can either get the adults or 'possible' goslings that may hatch. Any recommendations on either the goslings or adults?

 

[gofasterstripe]

OH MAN!!!!! You have to get the goslings. I tell you what....see when they are swimming laps round the pool and get a flea up their butt and jump out. I swear to god their brain does not connect with their legs. They throw themselves out the pool, land how ever ans take off running legs going all over the place and not where the body is going. I have never laughed so much in all my life. They might look graceful but when they do stoopid things, I asure you there is nothing graceful about them. They are like little dinasaurs

 

[Oregon Blues]

I was able to move my Pomeranian, nest, eggs and all. She is sitting tight. So it might be possible to pick up the geese, nests and all and let them finish hatching. Then you'd have both geese and goslings.

Do you have an incubator? If you take everything and th geese refuse to stay with the nest, the eggs could be finished in an incubator.

 

[Eroc1_1]

Quote:
I do not have an incubator, unfortunately, it isn't in the cards. I have spoken for 2 female and 1 male gosling and if they don't hatch I will get a a adult breeding pair. She said that the female has been sitting on the nest for 3 weeks now... She is asking $10/ea for the goslings and $25/ea for the adults. I believe that she got them from Metzer Farms about 3 years ago.