Goose and Gander: Best Practices

Keeping geese is becoming increasingly popular across the UK and beyond. Given enough outdoor space, these large birds do more than just make spirited guard animals; they can help manage grass growth naturally without causing damage. Fortunately, geese tend to be relatively hardy, suffering from fewer diseases compared to other waterfowl and poultry.

If you're new to keeping geese, it's wise to keep them in pairs or small flocks. As winter sets in, particularly by mid-December, breeders typically begin pairing their birds in preparation for the spring mating season, making this an ideal time to acquire geese for breeding.

Most often, keeping one gander with two to three geese works well, especially with heavier breeds. For lighter breeds or something like Chinese geese, pairing one gander with four or five females is common practice. By mid-January, breeders aim to have mating groups established to allow the birds time to become familiar with each other and their surroundings before the breeding season begins.

Introducing a Gander to Your Geese

Introducing a gander to geese often goes smoothly, especially when done right. However, if you plan on adding new birds to an existing flock, it’s best to introduce the females first and let them bond before bringing the gander in. This reduces tensions and helps establish a more harmonious group.

Unlike chickens, where ample room is important during introductions, geese females tend to bond better when kept in a smaller, more confined space initially. This minimises fighting and encourages acceptance. After about two weeks, you can release the females back into their larger outdoor environment. A few more days of careful observation without the gander will help ensure the females are settled before he rejoins them. Once introduced, monitoring behaviour closely is vital to ensure the gander accepts his mates and to prevent any fights.

First-Year Mating Considerations

During their first breeding season, ganders may demonstrate lower fertility and tend to mate less effectively than in subsequent years. As a result, hatching incubated eggs can be challenging, and goslings that do hatch may be weaker. It’s important not to be discouraged by early difficulties; improved outcomes typically occur in the second year as the gander matures and gains experience.

Managing Multiple Ganders in One Flock

If you have a large flock that contains several ganders, you may notice occasional squabbles. These conflicts are usually minor if the ganders are of similar size and have grown up together. Introducing fully grown ganders to each other later in life can lead to more aggressive behaviour. Ensuring that ganders are well matched can reduce problems and promote flock stability.

Importance of Water for Successful Mating

Geese strongly prefer to mate on water. While it is possible to keep geese without access to a pond or deep water, fertility may be significantly reduced without it. This is especially true for heavier breeds that rely on water for proper mating posture and behaviour. In addition, water helps keep feathers in good condition and keeps nesting females cleaner, which reduces the risk of infections in goslings.

Conclusion

Geese are large, sometimes assertive birds that benefit from early socialisation with humans and other birds. They make excellent guards, alerting owners to intruders with their loud calls. The optimal time for pairing ganders and geese in the UK is mid-December, giving the birds a chance to bond well before the spring mating season. Introductions should be managed carefully, allowing females to form groups in confined spaces before the gander is introduced. Providing access to suitable water can enhance mating success and improve gosling health. Following these guidelines supports responsible and successful breeding of these wonderful birds.