Like other farm animals, there are some advantages and disadvantages of raising geese. Keeping geese is actually gaining popularity day by day.
Geese are wonderful show, pet and utility birds. They are used and raised for many different purposes.
Geese are actually great for delicious eggs and meat production, they are great lawn mowers, they are very beautiful and enhance the beauty of your property and they are also excellent as pets.
Whatever the purpose of raising geese ‘it’s very important to take good care of them’.
Although geese require less care and management as compared to many other domestic poultry birds. They can easily breed and take care of themselves.
The geese are large in size than many other poultry birds and they require more food. They are also noisy sometimes.
And some geese can be of aggressive nature occasionally. So at the same time there are some advantages and disadvantages of raising geese.
Before starting, you must know more about these advantages and disadvantages of raising geese.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Raising Geese
Keeping any type of farm animal has it’s own advantages and disadvantages. Here we are describing more about the advantages and disadvantages of raising geese.
The Advantages of Raising Geese
There are many advantages of raising geese. Here we are shortly describing all about these advantages.
Geese are Beautiful
Geese are actually very beautiful birds, the goslings are especially super cute. They are elegant and decorative and actually great for enhancing the beauty of private properties.
Good Behavior
Not all, but some of the geese are of excellent behavior. They are lovable, friendly and can become very tame. They can be raised as pets.
Geese are Great Lawn Mowers
Geese love to eat greens and forage on grass. They are ecological lawn mowers. This feature reduces feeding costs.
Long-lived Birds
Geese are long-lived birds with a lifespan of around 30 years. So you can have a great friend for long time if you raise geese as pets.
Geese Require Less Care
Geese are low-maintenance birds and they require relatively less care as compared to many other domestic birds. They even require less care than chickens or ducks.
Excellent Foragers
Geese are excellent foragers if they are allowed to access freely.
Many Breeds Available
There are many geese breeds available to choose from. You can choose any breed depending on your keeping purpose.
Good as Guard
Geese are excellent as guard animals. They will make noise and alert you if they feel any danger.
Produce Delicious Meat & Eggs
The light geese varieties are good layers. Some varieties lay as much as 60 large eggs per year. And most of the varieties produce premium quality meat.
Disadvantages of Raising Geese
Along with the above mentioned advantages, there are also some disadvantages of raising geese. Here we are shortly describing about these disadvantages of raising geese.
Geese are Noisy
The main disadvantages of raising geese is ‘they make a lot of noise’, some people finds this feature as disturbing. Although this noise also has some advantages. Geese make noise and alert you when they feel any danger.
They Can Chew Anything
If allowed to roam freely, your geese can become little devils. They will probably chew many things.
Eat a Lot
Geese are larger in size than many other domestic poultry birds. So, they require relatively more feeds.
Hard to Keep Confined
Geese love to roam freely, so it’s very tough to keep them confined. You will need to build a fence around your property for keeping them confined.
You Can’t Raise Just One
Geese are social birds, and they love to stay in groups. So, you must have to raise at least two birds.
Diseases
Like many other poultry birds, the geese can also suffer from various fatal conditions. Although diseases are less in geese.
These are the common advantages and disadvantages of raising geese. You must know about these advantages and disadvantages before starting, especially if you are a beginner. God bless you!
Frequently Asked Questions
People ask many questions about the advantages and disadvantages of raising geese. Here we are trying to list the most common questions about advantages and disadvantages of raising geese. Hope you will find your answer. Don’t hesitate to ask us if you have more questions.
What are the advantages of raising geese compared to other poultry?
Raising geese has several advantages over other poultry. First, geese are hardy birds that can adapt to a variety of weather conditions and are generally more disease-resistant than other poultry. Second, geese are excellent foragers and can graze on grass and other vegetation, which reduces the cost of feed. Third, geese are known for their meat and egg production, which can be a profitable enterprise. Finally, geese are good at controlling weeds and pests in a garden or orchard, making them a valuable addition to a homestead or farm.
What kind of space do geese need to thrive?
Geese need ample space to roam and graze. A minimum of 10 square feet of space per bird is recommended for geese that are kept in confinement. However, it is best to allow geese access to pasture or other outdoor areas where they can graze and forage. Geese that are allowed to free-range will require less feed and will be healthier and more content than those that are confined to a small space.
What kind of housing do geese require?
Geese require shelter from the elements and protection from predators. A simple, three-sided shelter with a roof can provide adequate protection for geese. The shelter should be raised off the ground to keep the birds dry and should be well-ventilated to prevent the buildup of moisture and ammonia. Geese will also require access to water for drinking and swimming, so a pond or other body of water should be available if possible.
What do geese eat?
Geese are primarily grazers and will eat a variety of grasses and other vegetation. They will also eat insects, snails, and other small animals. In addition, geese require access to fresh water and will drink frequently throughout the day.
Are geese noisy?
Geese can be noisy, especially during breeding season or when they feel threatened. However, not all breeds of geese are equally vocal. Some breeds, such as the Embden or Toulouse, are generally quieter than others, such as the Chinese or African. In general, geese are less noisy than other poultry, such as chickens or turkeys.
What are the disadvantages of raising geese?
While there are many advantages to raising geese, there are also some potential disadvantages to consider.
Do geese require a lot of maintenance?
Geese do require some maintenance, such as regular feeding and watering, cleaning of their living space, and protection from predators. They may also require regular trimming of their wings or beaks. However, geese are generally hardy and do not require as much attention as some other types of livestock.
Are geese aggressive?
Some breeds of geese can be aggressive, especially during breeding season or when they feel threatened. This can be a concern if you have children or other animals on your property. However, not all breeds of geese are aggressive, and proper handling and socialization can help reduce aggressive behavior.
Do geese require a lot of space?
Geese do require more space than some other types of poultry, especially if they are not allowed to free-range. This can be a concern if you have limited space available or if you want to keep a large number of geese.
Do geese make a lot of noise?
Geese can be noisy, especially during breeding season or when they feel threatened. This can be a concern if you have close neighbors or if you are sensitive to noise.
Are geese messy?
Geese can be messy, especially if they are allowed to free-range or if they have access to a pond or other body of water. Their droppings can be large and can accumulate quickly, which may require regular cleaning of their living space.
