![]() There is nothing wrong with showing kindness to your geese but do try to refrain from treating them like ducks or chickens. ![]() To the domestic goose breed, a person who coddles them with snuggles, hand-feedings, carrying, and cooing is subservient. They operate within their flock in a hierarchical system and they generally include the farmer in this social structure. Geese are incredibly intelligent animals, fairly fearless and strong. They are livestock and should be treated accordingly. Geese can be wonderful companions for the farmer but they are not lap birds. They are content to share open spaces like waterways and yards but an intruder to their coop (especially while in breeding season) is a recipe for confrontation. A goose will learn to recognize their barnyard family members such as other poultry, barn cats, dogs, goats, etc., and will not pose a threat. If guests are expected to the farm, ensure the geese are housed in their shelter or secured in their pasture space. Living with geese means respecting their watchdog behavior and not trying to inhibit it. They are simply reacting to an unknown being and protecting their habitat accordingly. It is this innate ability that is often misunderstood - a goose isn’t acting out aggressively when an unknown visitor approaches (animal or human). They are territorial and naturally protective of their environment and flock mates. Geese have acquired a reputation as mean and aggressive. Their housing should also provide safety from large predators such as foxes and coyotes since they do not sleep on a perch. In addition, geese ideally will have a shelter in which to sleep, nest, and seek refuge from extreme weather. Nest boxes aren’t necessary when raising geese, as a female goose simply gathers bedding to form a nest. A goose sleeps in a similar fashion to a duck on the ground, preferably on a bed of straw, grass or other bedding. Unlike chickens and turkeys, domestic goose breeds do not roost. To the goose, a person who coddles them is subservient. When a goose becomes agitated or angry, they often strike at a subservient flock member (even the farmer) to exert their dominance. I personally supplement my geese’s diet with dry rolled oats as they provide vitamins B, E, and phosphorous to the goose. In addition to grazing, geese will nibble at hay as a source of forage and enjoy cracked wheat soaked in a water bucket. It’s not unheard of for a goose to toy with a garden snake or minnow however, they much prefer greenery and will most often choose plant-based meals. They’re content to be turned loose in the garden, sampling weeds and unwanted growth between tall cornstalks and rambling strawberry plants. Instead, they love to graze on open pasture and tear tender grass blades with their serrated beaks. Unlike chickens and ducks, geese do not forage for slugs, ticks, or other insects. Diet is one facet to consider when looking at the nutritional requirements of geese vs.
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