Raising domestic geese

Listen to this extended radio story on raising domestic geese (MP3 download)

When it comes to raising animals on your acreage, it doesn't get much easier than geese. They need only the basics -- shelter, water and food -- to survive, and are rarely affected by disease or insects. Before making any purchases, decide whether you want the geese for egg production or a market flock, then meet with a reputable hatchery to help determine which breed is best for you

Radio interview source: Phillip Clauer, Extension poultry specialist, Penn State University

For more information on raising geese, we recommend the following links:

Raising geese: Here are the basics on brooding goslings, feeding, breeder flock management, and more.

Imprinting domestic geese: Imprinting is the process that causes newly hatched birds to become attached to a parent or parental surrogate. If you're raising geese, the goslings may think you're their mom.

Anyone for some geese?: This fact sheet from Michigan State University includes a chart comparing the different breeds of geese, including Embdens, pictured here.

Photo: Oklahoma State University