The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Tullywood Farm on August 09, 2009, 02:34:48 pm
-
I have a pair of lovely Grey Lag geese.
(http://www.tullywoodfarm.com/images/geese.jpg)
We used to have white ones but they attacked visitors - these two are wonderful, friendly and very talkative in a low key way - not loud but nice to hear them pipping to each other - they are really good fun to watch waddling around the farm - they follow me around and watch what I am doing from a safe distance of 3 feet - really enjoying their company. ;D
Julie
-
We've only ever had the white ones, they're awful for attacking people, dogs and our gander even had a thing for cars ! I thought all geese were the same TBH, but after hearing how nice this pair is, I'm seriously reconsidering (especially as we still have the goose house !) might just have to check out some geese ;D
Thanks Julie, not sure how happy hubby will be though ;)
-
We've only ever had the white ones, they're awful for attacking people, dogs and our gander even had a thing for cars ! I thought all geese were the same TBH, but after hearing how nice this pair is, I'm seriously reconsidering (especially as we still have the goose house !) might just have to check out some geese ;D
Thanks Julie, not sure how happy hubby will be though ;)
Tell him you are helping the RSPB to make a safe environment for these wonderful wild birds, they are residents of Scotland and can be seen in certain areas...
see more at
http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/g/greylaggoose/index.asp
Ours wer bred in captivity, and are ringed by the breeder, they are very tame, we bought them from a man who knows a breeder in North Yorkshire if you have problems getting them locally.
They are much nicer than the white ones, and don't have a nasty outlook when they meet strangers - ours love to sit outside the farm shop door and look in at our customers and visitors.
There watching Joe put a post and rail fence up at the moment - I am sure they think - "what a waste of time we can hop through that" ;D ;D ;D
Julie
-
There were black necked wild geese at the local nature reserve last week - Gartmorn Dam. They were really scary, and Spic and Span (the two resident grey geese) didn't get a look in for the bread the kids were throwing. Katie was quite upset. She kept saying 'duck go, duck go' ;D ;D ;D
-
I bought 3 Roman Geese over 2 years ago and they were real characters. As far as we know they were 3 males and during the breeding season they fought quite badly together, or it was 2 against 1. Sadly in December last year we lost one of them and then again a few weeks ago the fox got another. We bought a replacement and the 2 now get on rather well. They like to make a noise hissing at people but are generally more afraid of us and run off hissing. I think they are great characters and they do make me laugh. I am hoping to get 2 female Shetland Geese in the next few weeks and would love to get them tame, apparantly these are the quietest breed of geese, I love the noise my 2 make.
-
our gander has pecked the odd child but he tends to just do the usual hish and a run when you backs turned. now the the cockeral is an evil monster
we have to deploy our two sons as escorts for some reason he is scared of them. it makes no diffrence to him when or who it is. the goose on the other hand is doing it more for forms sake.
-
I am also hoping to get a couple of Shetland Geese in the next few weeks. Has anyone got any already? My eldest daughter has a bit of a bird phobia and an aggressive goose might just make her move out. I am hoping that the shetland geese live up to their reputation and will fit into our family. The Grey Lags sound lovely. I hadn't realised that it was possible to keep them.
-
Hi Marigold, can I ask where you are getting the Shetland Geese from? My contact in Forfar has quite a few himself (but not selling any) and was sourcing 2 for me from elsewhere but still had no joy? Thanks.
-
trondra farm has a web site and in spring they have spare eggs. don't expect them to be less goosey than the others.
-
I have a pair of Emdens, lovely & friendly. I can even pick up Edward the gander and give him a cuddle :love: They are 15 years old now and I've had them since day olds. Many people say Emdens are the most aggressive of all geese. Mine are very noisy though, lucky I have no neighbours. :&>
-
An odd question, but do you think geese could get the better of a terrier?
-
Thats amazing, lucky you. My 2 just run away as quick as possible if I try and get too close.
-
My Grey Lags let you stroke them, and talk to you, if I had a nasty goose that bit children
it would be in the pot ;D ;D
The Grey Lags run free on the farm with a Rottweiler, Cavalier, Kittens, Cats, Runner Ducks, Khaki Campbell, Hens, Cocks, Aylesbury Ducks.
The ony time I have seen the male goose hiss, is at the Runner Ducks when they go to the pond and he is drinking - they just move further round.
They don't like the Rotti - but he is a big chap, so its probably his size, but they just wide berth him they do not attack - really easy going and get on with all the animals and visitors ;)
Julie
-
nope im not cooking him. the kids are mine and the have learnt to stay away from him when he is guarding his girls. they are great animals but you do need to give them room in spring. i would not want either the terrier or geese meeting un controlled. if they have young the terrier would need to be very brave.
-
Hi Jameslindsey
I will ask the woman with the geese if I can pass on her telephone no. She doesn't do internet. But she is quite close to Dundee. I am not quite sure what she is wanting for them. She seems more interested in them being secure from foxes as she lost many years worth of a flock to foxes a few years ago.
I will send a PM by the end of the week.
Kirsty
-
Thanks Kirsty, that is very kind of you. I look forward to hearing from you. :)