Are you thinking of keeping geese? If so, you need to be aware of the pros and cons of doing so. Geese can provide many benefits to a homestead or small farm, but they also require a lot of care. As we go over the pros and cons of raising geese in a blog post, you will be able to decide if this is the right poultry choice for you.
One of the main advantages of raising geese is that they are excellent watchdogs. Geese are very territorial and will honk loudly to warn you if someone or something is approaching your property. They can also be trained to guard specific areas, such as gardens or ponds. In addition to being good guards, geese are also proficient at weed control. They love to eat weeds, grass, and other vegetation, which can help keep your property tidy.
Although geese are beneficial in many ways, there are also some disadvantages to consider. One of the biggest drawbacks is that geese can be very noisy. If you live in a residential area, your neighbors may not appreciate the honking and squawking that comes with keeping geese. In addition, geese can be aggressive, especially during mating season. They may chase and attack people or other animals that come too close to their territory.
Pros of Raising Geese
1. Geese are low maintenance animals and require very little in terms of care. They don’t need a large area to roam, they can be easily fed, and they don’t require any special housing or equipment.
2. Geese provide a great source of fresh eggs and meat if you’re looking for an alternative to store-bought food. They can also be raised for show, or other competitions such as racing and egg collecting.
3. Geese are excellent weeders and natural lawnmowers due to their grazing habits, so keeping a few geese in your yard can keep the grass neatly trimmed without having to use a lawnmower.
4. Geese make great guard animals as they are very vocal and will sound the alarm whenever an intruder is present, making them a great addition to any home security system.
5. Raising geese can be a great way to teach children about responsibility and animal care, as well as giving them their own little project and sense of accomplishment.
6. Geese are very social animals and will bond with their owners, making them wonderful pets that can provide emotional comfort as well as companionship.
7. Unlike many other farm animals, geese do not require huge amounts of food to sustain themselves, so they are an affordable pet even for those on a tight budget.
8. Geese droppings, known as ‘guano’, provide an excellent source of fertilizer for plants, making them ideal for gardens and greenhouses.
9. Lastly, geese are delightful birds to watch and are sure to bring joy to any yard or garden! They make a wonderful addition to any home.
These are just a few of the many benefits of raising geese! If you want to experience all that these remarkable birds have to offer, there’s no better time than now to get started. All it takes is a little bit of knowledge and some commitment, and soon enough you’ll have a happy flock of geese!
Cons of Raising Geese
1. Geese can be noisy and aggressive: Geese are known for their loud honking, which can be disruptive to neighbors in a residential area. Additionally, geese have been known to become aggressive when they feel threatened or if someone is approaching their nest or young.
2. Risk of disease transmission: Geese can transmit diseases to humans and other animals, such as salmonella, avian flu, and chlamydia. It is important to take proper safety precautions when handling geese or coming into contact with their fecal matter.
3. Geese require a lot of space: Geese need plenty of room to roam in order to stay healthy and active. If kept in a confined space, they can become stressed and aggressive.
4. Geese require regular maintenance: Geese must have access to clean water and food at all times, as well as adequate shelter from the elements. They also need their feathers regularly groomed in order to stay healthy. All of these tasks require regular attention and upkeep.
5. Geese can be destructive: Geese have been known to cause damage to lawns and gardens due to their grazing behavior. They can also eat small plants or flowers, dig up the ground, or even knock over fences and other structures.
6. Geese are seasonal layers: Although geese are prolific egg-layers, they do not lay eggs year-round. During the winter months, their egg production slows down significantly and may stop altogether. This can make it difficult to maintain a consistent supply of fresh eggs.
7. Geese require specialized care: Raising geese requires knowledge and experience in poultry husbandry. Without proper training, mistakes can be made that could lead to health or behavioral issues in the birds.
8. Geese may attract predatory animals: Geese are a popular prey for larger predators such as foxes, coyotes, and hawks. If geese are kept in an area where these animals are present, they must be provided with adequate shelter and protection from potential predators.
9. Geese can be difficult to transport: Due to their size and strength, geese can be difficult to move or transport. It may require extra manpower, specialized crates, and a truck or trailer in order to safely move them from one location to another.
10.Geese are messy: Geese can be messy, leaving behind large amounts of droppings and feathers in their wake. This can create an unsightly mess that must be cleaned up on a regular basis.
11. Geese are expensive: Geese require specialized housing, feed, and care, all of which can add up quickly. Taking into account the cost of purchase and maintenance, raising geese can be an expensive endeavor.
12. Geese may not be welcome: Depending on the laws in your area, keeping geese may not be allowed or permitted. It is important to research local ordinances before acquiring any geese to ensure that they are legally allowed in your area.
FAQ
Are geese hard to keep?
Geese can be a fun and rewarding addition to any backyard, but they do require some special care. Generally speaking, geese are easy to keep if you provide them with the right environment. They need a large space with plenty of grass for grazing and access to water for swimming. They also need shelter from the elements and protection from predators. A good fence is essential to keeping your geese safe.
Are geese high maintenance?
Generally speaking, geese are not considered to be high maintenance animals. They are relatively easy to care for and do not require a lot of specialized attention. Geese can be kept in a variety of settings, from large farms or acreages to small backyards. They need a safe place to sleep at night, access to fresh water and food, and some open space where they can roam and graze.
Do geese bond with humans?
Yes, geese can bond with humans. Geese are naturally social animals and can form strong bonds with other creatures, including humans. This is especially true when they are raised by a human from an early age. For example, some pet owners have reported that their geese will follow them around their yard and even come when called. They may also show signs of recognition when they see their owners, such as honking or flapping their wings.
Conclusion
While raising guard geese can have its downsides, there are many advantages to keeping these birds as well. By weighing up the pros and cons carefully, you can make an informed decision about whether or not they would be a good fit for your specific situation. Thanks for reading!
As A refer: Roysfarm
