Goose care

Geese are long-lived, intelligent birds with a strong flock instinct. They get most of their food by grazing and are known for acting as guards, announcing strangers loudly.

Class: Bird
Group: Poultry

Quick care summary

The care essentials for Geese.

Housing and spacePasture: Geese eat a lot of grass and need a large fenced area to graze.
Feeding routineGrazing: Fresh grass makes up most of a goose's diet.
WaterClean drinking water must always be available.
Daily careCheck geese daily for movement, appetite and behaviour.

In depth

In short

Geese are grazing birds; good pasture is the basis of their diet.
They need water to dunk their heads and bathe.
They are loud, alert birds that defend their territory.
They live a long time and can become attached to their keepers.
They should be shut in a predator-proof shelter at night.

Geese are large waterfowl kept for thousands of years for meat, eggs, feathers and guarding. They have strong family and flock bonds; pairs often stay together for a long time. Their habit of calling loudly when they notice strangers has earned them the reputation of "farm guards".

Housing and space

Pasture: Geese eat a lot of grass and need a large fenced area to graze.
Shelter: They do not perch; they sleep on dry bedding on the ground. The house should be airy, dry and closable against predators.
Water: A pond for swimming is ideal; at the very least they need a container deep enough to dunk their heads and bathe.

Feeding routine

Grazing: Fresh grass makes up most of a goose's diet.
Supplementary feed: When pasture is short, in winter and during the laying season, balanced poultry feed can be given.
Goslings: Use a waterfowl starter for goslings and give them access to short, fresh grass.
Grit: Geese eating grain can be given fine grit.

Water

Clean drinking water must always be available. Like ducks, geese dirty their water quickly, so clean containers often.

Daily care

Check geese daily for movement, appetite and behaviour.
Keep bedding dry and refresh it regularly.
To prevent overgrazing, you can divide the pasture and rotate between sections.

Geese live in flocks and should not be kept alone. In the breeding season, ganders may be aggressive while protecting nests and mates; take care during this time and supervise children.