Geese are often misunderstood by small farm enthusiasts, who may view them as aggressive or unhelpful additions to their backyard flock. However, these birds can be delightful companions and valuable assets on a small scale farm. Not only do they provide a source of meat, eggs, and other benefits, but some individuals even keep geese as pets. If you’re considering raising a goose breed, there are numerous reasons why this decision is well worth exploring.
In this section, we’ll outline the top reasons to raise geese, along with a comprehensive list of eight popular breeds to consider.
Why You Should Consider Raising Geese
Raising geese can be a highly rewarding endeavor for farmers, offering a multitude of benefits. Not only do they provide a dual purpose for meat and eggs, but they also excel as guardian animals. Some farmers opt to raise geese alongside other livestock, such as chickens, to protect them from predators like hawks and weasels. However, the uses of geese extend far beyond traditional farming practices.
For instance, their flocks can be utilized to maintain weed-free zones around vineyards, orchards, or other sensitive areas. Dubbed ‘weeder geese,’ these birds are uniquely suited for this task.
8 Best Geese Breeds to Consider
African Geese
Despite the paradoxical name, African geese likely trace their origins back to China or other Asian regions rather than Africa. Characterized by prominent black knobs on their beaks, these heavy-bodied geese boast full abdomens and sizeable dewlaps. Noted for their upright posture, loud calls, and assertive nature, they can be quite aggressive at times.
In terms of weight, African ganders typically reach 20 pounds, with some males reaching up to 22 pounds, while females tend to weigh around 18 pounds.
African geese are often kept for meat due to their impressive size and flavor. As a dual-purpose breed, they can also be raised for eggs, although reliability varies among individuals, with some producing as many as 30-50 eggs annually. Additionally, these birds excel at foraging, much like their Chinese goose relatives.
It’s worth noting that African geese have a similar appearance to Chinese geese but are more susceptible to frostbite and require insulated shelter during cold weather.
Embden Geese
The Embden goose, with its striking white plumage and vibrant orange beak and feet, has a rich history dating back to the 1800s in Germany. Initially bred as a meat bird, this heavyweight goose gained popularity in early American settlements due to its ease of care and versatility. Its impressive size is a testament to its origins, with males reaching weights of over 28 pounds, sometimes exceeding 31 pounds or more. Females, on the other hand, typically weigh around 20 pounds.
As a dual-purpose bird, the Embden goose excels as both a meat bird and a quiet companion, making it an excellent choice for hobby farms and those seeking a peaceful pet. Its rapid growth rate makes it an attractive option for small-scale meat operations, while its annual egg production of thirty to forty eggs per year adds to its appeal.
Roman Tufted
The Roman Tufted goose has a rich history, having been used in ancient Rome to guard temples and even repel attempted ambushes in 365 BC, according to legend. Today, this small but mighty breed is primarily employed to safeguard backyard flocks of chickens and other properties. They can also be raised for meat and eggs. Standing at around ten pounds upon maturity, Roman Tufted Geese are distinguished by their elegant white plumage and distinctive tufts of feathers on top.
Despite being listed as critically endangered, these birds excel as egg layers, producing a bounty with relative ease. While they may not offer the most substantial meat yields due to their smaller size, their loud vocalizations make them exceptional guards. It’s worth noting that Roman Tufted ganders can exhibit aggressive tendencies, so it’s essential to monitor and manage this behavior.
Overall, these geese are known for being docile, with a bark that may be bigger than their bite, but still pack a punch when it comes to defending their territory.
Toulouse
The Toulouse goose breed has a rich history, with two distinct forms: the lightweight and heavyweight variants. The latter, known as the Dewlap Toulouse, is the largest breed of domesticated geese, characterized by its dense abdomen and keel. In contrast, the French Toulouse is significantly smaller, but still impressive in size. When it comes to weight, both variations of the Toulouse goose excel.
The Dewlap Toulouse can easily reach 20-30 pounds at maturity, while the French Toulouse is slightly smaller and thinner, yet still commands an impressive presence. Both forms of the breed are versatile when it comes to their uses. They can be used for meat and eggs, with the Dewlap Toulouse being particularly renowned for its foie gras production. The French Toulouse, on the other hand, serves as a dual-purpose bird, laying large white eggs during the spring and summer seasons.
What’s more, both varieties are known for their docile nature, making them an excellent choice for those seeking farm pets.
Sebastopol
The Sebastopol goose is a one-of-a-kind breed that boasts an unmistakable appearance, characterized by its unkempt white plumage. Its rugged look might suggest it’s been through a battle, but this bird was actually bred in eastern Europe for show purposes. While it enjoyed popularity in the 20th century, its appeal has waned slightly over time. In terms of size, Sebastopol ganders typically weigh between 12-14 pounds, while females tip the scales at around 10-12 pounds.
As a breed that requires targeted care, these geese need a warm shelter for winter months and access to plenty of clean water for swimming. They can be quite loud and boisterous if not provided with suitable living conditions. Interestingly, Sebastopols have been crossed with other breeds to produce variants such as buff, gray, and saddleback.
While they’re often raised as guardians due to their protective nature, these geese are also capable of producing 25-35 eggs per year, making them a viable option for those looking to raise them for eggs or meat.
Chinese
The Chinese goose breed boasts a unique appearance, characterized by a prominent knob on its bill – more pronounced in males than females. This small and upright bird is an excellent weeder or guardian goose. Weighing around ten pounds, with males reaching up to 12 lbs, the Chinese goose is a force to be reckoned with. Its loud, shrill cries can be off-putting to neighbors, but this breed’s alarm-calling abilities make it an invaluable asset for farms and homesteads.
When threats arise, these geese sound the alarm, keeping intruders at bay. Additionally, they excel as egg layers, producing up to 100 eggs per year – a significant contribution to any farm or household.
Buff
The American Buff goose has its roots in the United Kingdom, where it developed from a breed with similar characteristics. This versatile bird boasts an apricot-colored plumage that sets it apart. Its adaptability is one of its greatest strengths, making it suitable for various purposes – whether you’re looking to raise them for eggs, meat, or even utilizing their unique abilities to help with weeding tasks.
When it comes to size, American Buff geese are considered medium-weight birds, averaging around 16-18 pounds in weight. Their friendly demeanor makes them a great fit for family farms, where they can thrive in harmony with other animals. They’re also highly adaptable and can be used for both meat and eggs, making them an attractive option for backyard enthusiasts.
What’s more, their striking coloring makes them a popular choice as farm pets, offering a unique visual appeal that’s hard to ignore.
Pilgrim
The Pilgrim goose stands out due to its remarkable ability to be autosexed from hatching, a trait rare among other breeds. At maturity, adult females display a grey plumage, while males exhibit a striking white coat with vibrant orange bills. This breed has a rich history dating back to the early 20th century in Iowa, where it was developed by Oscar Grow. The name ‘Pilgrim’ pays homage to Grow’s family’s journey from Iowa to Missouri during the Great Depression.
In terms of size, Pilgrim geese are substantial but not enormous, typically weighing between 13 and 14 pounds at maturity. Their bodies boast a plump appearance with a smooth breast, unbroken by a keel. As for their uses, Pilgrim geese are remarkably versatile. They can be used for medium-weight birds, producing around 40 eggs annually. Moreover, they excel at foraging and can be effectively employed for weeding purposes.
Characterized by their quiet, calm demeanor and unusually friendly nature, Pilgrim geese make excellent additions to any farm or homestead.
Other Goose Breeds to Consider
While the eight breeds mentioned earlier may be the most well-known among small farmers, there’s actually a much broader range of goose options available. In fact, geese breeds are often categorized by weight into heavy, medium, and light types. Beyond the popular choices, you might also consider Alsatian, Barnacle, Faroese, and Pomeranian geese. And then, of course, there are many more varieties beyond these to explore.
Whatever breed you choose to raise, it’s clear that the benefits are undeniable. Geese can bring a unique charm to your homestead, regardless of whether you’re raising them for eggs, meat, or simply for their endearing nature.
