What breed of goose that is friendly,non aggressive?

[AmyJ]

I'm thinking about getting geese, but probably not until spring 2010. Just wanted to know others experience with goose breeds and which is the friendliest. I have two young children and don't want anything aggressive towards them. Also does anyone know of anyone that sells goslings in Orange County, NY? Thanks in advance!

 

[crazy cat lady]

I have pair of Sebastopols, 3 gray saddleback pomeranians and 5 toulouse goslings. Although I have no children so far they are very good around me and my SO. In fact one of the saddlebacks is a young gosling I raised in the house and s/he is very sweet. Loves for me to pich him/her up. and the parents are around 2 young boys which the person I got the gosling from was concerned about too. She wanted a goose that was not going to be aggressive around her boys.

 

[AmyJ]

Thanks, my daughter really likes the Sebastopols.

 

[Cottage Rose]

Regardless of the breed, all geese have a tendency to be become aggressive, loud, hissy and/or bitey during the breeding season.
Even females can become hissy and stand-offish.
Ganders much worse.

 

[Kim65]

I chose American Lavender geese because I've heard many times they are more timid. They are a color variation of the American buff, which is much more common.

I've had Toulouse in the past, and they bothered the dog and the goats mercilessly, rushed at visitors. There were ten of them so that may have been part of it. I had a very tame Toulouse who "protected" me rather viciously. They were the terrors of the barnyard

Since my infant grandson lives with me, I wanted geese that would run away before they would go on the attack. It's a crapshoot, because geese just DO get very defensive.

But the two lavenders don't bother the dog, they stay very clear of him, don't nip the goats and just "ignore" stuff my other geese could not ignore. So I've seen some evidence that Buffs are a more mellow breed.

I've heard Pilgrims are also sweeter, less aggressive and defensive too.

 

[AmyJ]

Thanks everyone. I've been reading up on the different breeds, but just wanted to see what others experiences were with them.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
They are somewhat like dogs, most will defend their teritory, few are actually aggresive in that they won't go looking for a fight. JMO but it seems to depend more on individuals than on breeds.

 

[greenfamilyfarms]

Pilgrims! Mine are so smart, too.

 

[Kim65]

Geese are prey animals, and their only defense is their obnoxious behavior. Domestic geese can't fly, they can't see their own feet and are clumsy and slow on land.

My most docile sweet females were little harpies when they were laying. I sustained great pain from the ganders. I loved them so much I didn't really care.

I agree it's a crapshoot and like people, some geese no matter the breed are just loves while others are cranky and aggressive. During breeding season, they are nasty by necessity across the board.

 

[poultryone]

In my experience, both Pilgrims and Sebastopols have a stronger tendency to be a little more docile. However, you should still keep an eye on them, especially if you're raising geese with young children about. Geese can become territorial and can inflict a tad bit of damage.