Raising Geese

Poultry

Geese are hardy, long-lived waterfowl that many Americans raise for meat, eggs, feathers, weeding of orchards and gardens, and as watchful "guard" birds that call out at strangers. They suit homesteaders, small farms, and hobbyists who have some open grassy space and want a low-input grazing bird. Geese are also popular with families who enjoy their strong personalities and their tendency to bond closely with their keepers.

Getting started

Before you bring geese home, check your local zoning rules, homeowner association covenants, and any city or county ordinances, since some areas limit or prohibit poultry and waterfowl. Geese are a multi-year commitment because many live well over a decade, and they need daily care, secure nighttime housing, and access to grass. Most beginners start with day-old goslings from a reputable hatchery or a local breeder, or buy started birds from a trusted farm; buying at least two is wise because geese are social and do poorly alone. Your local Cooperative Extension office can point you to regional resources and help you understand what raising waterfowl involves in your area.

Housing & protection

Geese need a simple, dry, well-ventilated shelter that keeps them out of wind, rain, and snow and gives them a safe place to sleep at night. A three-sided shed or a small barn stall with clean, dry bedding such as straw or wood shavings works well, and the floor should stay dry to keep birds comfortable. Sturdy fencing is essential to keep geese in and predators such as dogs, coyotes, foxes, raccoons, and large birds of prey out; many keepers use woven-wire or electric poultry fencing and lock birds inside a secure structure after dark. Provide shade for hot weather and a wind-sheltered dry space for cold weather, and give each bird enough room so the flock is not crowded.

Feeding & water

Geese are natural grazers, and good-quality pasture or lawn grass can make up a large share of their diet during the growing season. Beginners commonly feed a commercial waterfowl or all-purpose poultry ration appropriate to the birds' age and stage, and offer it alongside fresh grass and clean water; young goslings need a starter-type feed suited to their age. Always provide constant access to clean, fresh drinking water, and many keepers offer poultry grit so grazing birds can grind their food. For specific rations, nutrient needs, or feeding questions, consult your feed supplier and your local Cooperative Extension rather than relying on general guidance, and talk with a licensed veterinarian about any nutrition or health concerns.

Space & daily care

Geese need generous outdoor space to graze and roam, so a grassy run or a rotated pasture area is ideal, with room for the flock to spread out rather than being packed together. They drink a lot of water and like to dip their heads to keep their eyes and nostrils clean, so they need clean, fresh water deep enough for this every day; a pond is enjoyed but not required if you supply and regularly refresh water containers. Daily care includes checking food and water, refilling and cleaning waterers, collecting eggs in season, and confirming birds are safely shut in at night.

Common breeds & types

• Embden
• Toulouse
• African
• Chinese
• Pilgrim
• American Buff
• Sebastopol
• Roman Tufted

Things to consider

Startup costs include goslings or started birds, fencing, a shelter, feeders and waterers, feed, and bedding, and ongoing costs are mostly feed and maintenance, which pasture can help reduce during the growing season. Common challenges for beginners include predator pressure, keeping water and bedding areas from getting muddy and messy, providing enough grazing space, and managing ganders that can become territorial, especially during breeding season. Geese are generally hardy, but you should not attempt to diagnose or treat illness on your own; always work with a licensed veterinarian for any health, disease, parasite, or vaccination questions and for guidance specific to your flock. Your local Cooperative Extension office is the best resource for region-specific husbandry information and for understanding local regulations, permits, and any disease-reporting requirements that apply where you live.

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Page updated Aug 4, 2026.