Why You Should Keep Geese: Benefits and Care Tips

Geese have got themselves a bit of a bad reputation as being large and aggressive birds. However, if you raise them from very young, they make loyal and quite affectionate characters to have around with the added bonus that they are quick to let you know when there are strangers or predators about. This is especially useful if you keep chickens, ducks or other types of poultry that you like to free range.

Other reasons for keeping a pair of geese include the following:

• Geese are incredibly curious and can be very amusing to watch.
• They are low maintenance because most of their nutritional needs come from the grass they graze on.
• Geese are beautiful birds, with some breeds sporting stunning plumage.

Keeping Geese is Easy and Practical

If you already have some chickens or other poultry, geese will provide excellent natural security with their loud alarm calls alerting you to potential predators such as foxes or birds of prey. Their protective nature helps safeguard other birds and pets. Additionally, because they graze most of their diet, the cost of feeding them is much lower compared to many poultry types.

Start Off with Goslings for Best Results

It is best to start with goslings rather than adult birds. Geese raised from a young age become tame and friendly, often following their keeper around as a loyal companion. However, they remain vigilant and less friendly to strangers—an excellent trait for a natural guard animal.

Goslings require a warm, sheltered brooding area similar to chicks until their feathers develop. After that, they enjoy spending as much time outdoors as possible. Always lock them safely indoors at night to keep them safe from nocturnal predators.

Recommended Breeds to Consider

The Embden geese are a popular choice due to their calm nature and willingness to interact with people. Other attractive breeds include White Chinese and African geese. For those wanting gentler geese that don’t act as fierce guards, breeds like Toulouse and Pilgrim are ideal—they are calm and laid back but may honk if disturbed.

Plan to acquire your goslings in spring when most breeders hatch chicks, but order early to secure popular breeds.

Care and Housing Essentials

Geese do not require a pond or running water, but access to plenty of fresh water is essential for drinking and bathing. Provide large, clean bowls that allow them to splash and clean themselves freely.

A secure, roomy shed without perches serves well for nighttime protection. Ensure there are multiple water sources if kept with other poultry to reduce competition, and avoid keeping two male geese together to prevent fighting.

Feeding is largely seasonal; during winter, when grass is scarce, supplement their diet with good quality commercial goose feed available from feed merchants or pet stores.

Understanding Geese Temperament and Behaviour

A common misconception is that geese are aggressive, but behaviour varies by breed, gender and upbringing. Females can become territorial during breeding or when nesting, so extra caution is advised at this time.

Geese can protect other poultry effectively against cats and even dogs if alert or threatened. With proper socialisation from a young age and regular interaction, geese often become friendly companions similar to dogs, often following their owners and seeking attention with affectionate behaviours like nibbling tails.

Additional Benefits of Keeping Geese

• Excellent natural guards: Their loud honking warns of approaching danger and helps deter unwanted visitors.
• Natural lawn managers: Geese graze grass and weeds, helping keep outdoor areas tidy.
• Hardy and economical: They require less feed compared to other poultry and tolerate cold weather well.
• Conservation role: Keeping heritage breeds helps maintain genetic diversity and preserves rare traits.
• Eggs and meat: Geese produce large eggs prized by gourmets and meat with a rich flavour.
• Long-term companions: Geese can live for decades, forming strong bonds with their keepers.

Overall, geese combine companionship, practical benefits and security, making them a charming and valuable addition to many households and small farms.