What you need to start keeping geese:
Short grass - Geese will keep grassland in excellent condition especially in conjunction with sheep, but they should not be used for clearing long overgrown rank grasses as these may block their digestive system.
Fox-proof fencing - Wire netting fence 2 meters high, with electric fencing as well, if you have a persistent fox problem.
Vermin-proof shed - Adult geese are happy to live out during the night provided they are safe from foxes, but they will appreciate a shed to lay their eggs and rear goslings. Goslings need extra protection, not only from the weather during their first few weeks but also from rats and similar vermin, crows and other aerial predators.
A pond? - Not necessarily. Geese certainly enjoy a pond, and will keep themselves cleaner and mate more often if swimming water is available, and also provide you with more enjoyment watching their antics, but a pond is not essential.
Feed - For the first couple of months of their life, goslings should be fed on waterfowl starter crumbs then growers pellets. After this time, their grass diet should be supplemented with a handful or so of wheat, depending on the eventual size of the breed. Extra feed should be given from November onwards if you are fattening them for Christmas, or throughout the Spring if you are wanting maximum egg production from your birds.
Short grass - Geese will keep grassland in excellent condition especially in conjunction with sheep, but they should not be used for clearing long overgrown rank grasses as these may block their digestive system.
Fox-proof fencing - Wire netting fence 2 meters high, with electric fencing as well, if you have a persistent fox problem.
Vermin-proof shed - Adult geese are happy to live out during the night provided they are safe from foxes, but they will appreciate a shed to lay their eggs and rear goslings. Goslings need extra protection, not only from the weather during their first few weeks but also from rats and similar vermin, crows and other aerial predators.
A pond? - Not necessarily. Geese certainly enjoy a pond, and will keep themselves cleaner and mate more often if swimming water is available, and also provide you with more enjoyment watching their antics, but a pond is not essential.
Feed - For the first couple of months of their life, goslings should be fed on waterfowl starter crumbs then growers pellets. After this time, their grass diet should be supplemented with a handful or so of wheat, depending on the eventual size of the breed. Extra feed should be given from November onwards if you are fattening them for Christmas, or throughout the Spring if you are wanting maximum egg production from your birds.
