Are Geese Mean?

[GuineaLady93]

I have always heard that geese were mean, is this true. I have never had any before and I was thinking about getting some, but don't want to get anything that is going to be mean.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Although some geese can be mean, not all of them are. They are less likely to be mean if you hand raise them as goslings. During nesting season they have a higher potential to be mean and some breeds have a reputation of being meaner than others.

We have two pair, one Pilgrim and the other Sebastapol. They were hand raised and this is their second breeding season, and they have not been mean at all. They have not hatched any off spring yet, but if they did we have considered hand raising them to help ensure that they are nice.

 

[GuineaLady93]

What breed is most friendly?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

There are more aggressive breeds and more overly calm breeds. Dewlap Toulouse are very quiet, Sebastopols are also a calmer breed. African and Chinese are known to be more vocal and aggresive in nature. I would reccomend figuring out what you want in geese, buy from a breeder where you will get background info on your goslings, and follow up help if you have questions.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Oh and I don't reccomend having a breeding pair of two different breeds. You can run the risk of getting nothing but bad traits from both breeds in the mixed off spring. That and most when goose shopping are actually looking for a breed, not a mix.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Goose behavior is training more than anything. Well trained geese are well behaved. Spoiled geese can be dangerous to be around.

Some breeds of geese are calmer. Sebastopols are supposed to be nice natured. Buff Americans have a reputation for being nice natured. My Pomeranians are very calm and well behaved.

Geese raised as spoiled pets get confused about their status in the flock and trying for dominance can have bad consequences for the humans. Geese who understand that the human is the flock boss and must be obeyed are a lot more pleasant to be around.

 

[BernerBabe]

If friendly is important go with a sebastopol! Any if your not wanting babies get all females, this will prevent most breeding season grouchies

 

[RHRanch]

What breed is most friendly?

The Cotton Patch is a friendly and non-aggressive goose. I have never been bitten, even when I took their babies away.

 

[sianara]

Goose behavior is training more than anything. Well trained geese are well behaved. Spoiled geese can be dangerous to be around.

Some breeds of geese are calmer. Sebastopols are supposed to be nice natured. Buff Americans have a reputation for being nice natured. My Pomeranians are very calm and well behaved.

Geese raised as spoiled pets get confused about their status in the flock and trying for dominance can have bad consequences for the humans. Geese who understand that the human is the flock boss and must be obeyed are a lot more pleasant to be around.

Any suggestions on books or papers/pamphlets for me to read to follow this training?

 

[ChristineR]

I just got a 1 yr old pair of Sebastopols last Saturday and they are already warming up to us. Last night the female came right up to my daughter and started to nibble at her jacket zipper and shoes. The first couple of days, the male would hiss at us when we walked up, but never acted like he was going to actually bite us.

If friendly is important go with a sebastopol! Any if your not wanting babies get all females, this will prevent most breeding season grouchies