Geese 101
A quick guide to feathery guard dogs
So, here are 10 tips on how to care for geese.
1. Geese are natural grazers.
They need a large area of land to graze on — just like cows or horses. Geese aren't meant for a tiny patch of lawn.
This also makes them excellent natural lawnmowers! I haven't had to cut the grass all summer.
A large pond will make your geese very happy, but they can manage just fine with a large tub or kiddie pool. The important thing is that they have access to clean water deep enough to dip their heads and bathe properly.
4. Geese are more like puppies than birds.
They explore the world with their mouths and will chew on everything!
I've actually been recommended to give them dog chew toys — although mine have never shown any interest in them. A simple piece of root seems to be the most amazing thing in the world to them. They love chewing on it!
And yes, they will cause some damage to your garden — but not nearly as much as people claim.
What they really love is stripping the bark off thick bushes and trees.
5. Geese are very cold-hardy — but that doesn't mean they don't get cold.
Many people let their geese stay outside day and night, especially if they have a livestock guardian dog to protect them.
The most important thing is to provide a wind shelter — you don't need a fancy, insulated house.
Mine live in an old rabbit hutch that's covered to block the wind. When the real cold hits, they move into the greenhouse.
One thing to watch out for is their feet — it's important to keep them dry and warm to avoid frostbite!
6. Avian Influenza (Bird Flu)
The restrictions during avian influenza outbreaks can be difficult to manage with geese, since they are grazers and can't be kept confined for long periods.
To reduce the risk of infection, it's important to minimize anything that could attract wild birds — especially open water and feed.
In Sweden, the rules for geese during an avian influenza outbreak are:
👉 All food and water must be kept under a roof.
7. Geese are incredibly smart!
They pick up on routines very quickly.
Don't be surprised if, after just a day or two, they already know your every move — when you feed them, when you come outside, even what bucket you usually carry!
8. They are very curious!
Geese want to know everything you're doing and will watch you with big, curious eyes.
9. Don't forget to supplement their diet with grains or feed.
If you live in a colder climate, the grass will lose its nutritional value and start to fade as the weather gets colder.
That means your geese need an additional food source to stay healthy.
I always give mine a small amount of feed during the grazing season as well, to provide extra vitamins and variety in their diet.
10. Most importantly, geese need companionship.
There's a trend of keeping a single goose as a guard for chickens or ducks, but I think this is a mistake.
Just like ducks or chickens, geese need a buddy. They form very strong bonds with each other, often pairing up closely.
I got my geese as guardians for my ducks. They are by far the easiest birds to care for. They surprise me every day with how extremely smart they are.