Geese as a Pet

Considerations before Purchasing any Geese

Keeping geese can be fun, for the correct owner personality, geese-keeping desire and space.

1. Geese Behaviour and Temperament

“Guard Geese”

Geese are Excellent Property Protectors

Against Stranger Illegal Entry/Invasion

Geese as a Pet

Geese have excellent eyesight, are intelligent birds, independent and can be aggressive:

• Geese parents will become aggressive to protect their young Goslings
• Geese are extremely territorial
• Greese are most aggressive during Spring nesting season

Geese signs of aggression:

• A stretched neck toward the invader
• Violent hissing
• Honking loudly flapping wings – avoid a Goose hitting you – it can cause pain/broken bones

Geese natural, innate aggression is a serious issue especially for:

• Innocent Children – supervise all children when around Geese
• Visitors and Delivery persons

How to Handle Territorial Geese:

1. Do not run – Geese will chase you
2. Stand your ground – this may take a certain amount of bravery
3. Maintain eye contact with the Geese
4. Back way cautiously and slowly until in a safe place

Note: Geese in our public parks may be particularly bold because they have lost their natural fear of humans – the Geese feel they own the park – territorial possession/protection.

2. Geese Like and Need Wandering

Proper Land Roaming Space

Geese as a Pet

Geese need plenty of indoor and outdoor space:

Geese Indoor Shelter Needs:

• Proper security against predators – racoons, weasels/minks, foxes, coyotes, loose/feral dogs
• Shelter must be well ventilated – Geese health/comfort
• Shelter must be dry – rain proof
• Small low-roofed shed is best

Geese Outdoor Security:

• Proper fencing security against predators – racoons, weasels/minks, foxes, coyotes, loose/feral dogs
• Proper fencing against human entry – especially against child/children entry
• Minimum of 20-25 square feet/2-3 square meters per Goose – more space per Goose is far better
• Grassy area is best

The larger area for your Pet Geese to roam is best.

3. Water Requirements

Geese as a Pet

Geese Drinking Water needs:

• Constant access to fresh, clean water for drinking
• Water must be deep enough to completely submerge a Gooses’ entire head up to the neck
• Deep water head dunks allow nostril (nares) cleanliness

Geese Bathing Water

• A kiddie’s pool may be utilized
• A larger pool/pond is preferable – especially during breeding season for mating

Considerations – Geese and Water

1. Geese are messy fowl – they poo everywhere – you may consider cleaning the excrement away regularly
2. Consider placing a layer of gravel around water sources to prevent an unsightly/unmanageable muddy mess
3. Winter conditions demand a heating source to keep all water stations from freezing
4. Potential bacterial exposure – wash hands with soap and water after handling anything to do with your pet Geese

Geese must have a continuous source of clean, potable water.

4. Noise and Neighbourliness

Geese as a Pet

Geese honk loudly at will – but are totally obnoxiourly noisy if agitated – day or night:

Geese Ownership Considerations:

• Complaint to Municipal Authorities – potential noise citations/fines
• Stressed/angry neighbours/neighbourhood
• Escaped Geese may attack neighbours

Geese are best in a rural setting or on a large piece of personal home property.

5. Food and Nutrition Requirements

Geese as a Pet

Geese Basic Diet and nutrition:

1. Grass and Forage – 80-90% of a Goose’ diet should bee fresh grasses, weeds (dandelions, clover)
2. Waterfowl Grains/Pellets – winter diet – cup per day per Goose of:

• Whole wheat
• Oats
• Barley
• Commercial waterfowl pellets

3. Grit – insoluble grit (small stones/appropriate sand) – grinds their food internally – especially required if your pet Geese are not free-ranging
4. Avoid-at-all-times a high protein diet – high-protein chicken starter and/or layer feed can cause issues kike “angel wing” – unless specially formulated for waterfowl

Seasonal Geese Feeding Guidelines:

1. Spring/Summer – good access to pasture seldom require supplemental foods – seek advice from your Geese Veterinarian
2. Fall and Winter – suggested supplemental feed – wheat, barley, hay (Timothy or orchard grasses)
3. Breeding Season – extra calcium (oyster shells)

Geese Safe Treats – provided in moderation

1. Vegetables – romaine lettuce, kale, broccoli, cabbage, peas, cucumbers
2. Fruits – chopped apples,(without seeds), watermelon. Grapes
3. Other foods – cooked rice, cooked pasta (without sauces)

Foods to Avoid Feeding your pet Geese:

• Avocado – toxic
• Onions/Garlic – toxic
• Spinach – depletes calcium in Geese
• Moldy foods – can be fatal
• Bread/Processed Foods – causes malnutrition and angel wing

Goslings Food Needs:

1. First 3 weeks:

• High protein (20%) unmediated chick starter
• Specialized water fowl starter
• Specialized water fowl starter – with niacin (brewer’s yeast) added

2. Weeks 3 – 6

• Switch to lower protein grower pellets

3. Keep feeds moist with water for young goslings – aids in swallowing

If you notice any inconsistencies in the Geese, seek Veterinarian advice immediately.

6. Veterinarian Access

Geese as a Pet

1. You may need to find a:

• Avian animal specialist
• Farm animal specialist

2. Ensure that you have access:

• To emergency care for your pet Geese
• To any required medications for your pet Geese

3. Important: you must become familiar with basic Geese health monitoring

Never prolong medical aid hoping your Geese will heal themselves.

7. Local Pet Geese

Municipal Laws

Geese as a Pet

It is your responsibility to know local Geese bylaws:

1. Are there Geese owning restrictions or prohibitions in your area
2. Note: Geese are not permitted by apartment rules
3. Geese will not be permitted to graze in public areas – landscaping problems

Bottom line – Geese are best raised/kept in a farming/rural area.

Geese Ownership

Can be Genuinely Rewarding

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