Domestic Greylag Goose: A Complete Guide to Care

The domestic greylag goose is a favorite ornamental waterfowl among backyard poultry fans. These birds come from wild greylag geese. They were bred for their calm nature and ability to live in different places.

Domestic greylags stand out with their soft gray and white feathers. They are gentle and great for any backyard flock. They can even protect smaller birds like chickens and ducks.

To keep your domestic greylag geese healthy, they need good shelter, a balanced diet, and clean water. This way, they can live up to 15-20 years. They will bring happiness to your backyard for many years.

Key Takeaways

• Domestic greylag geese are popular ornamental waterfowl and heritage poultry breeds
• They are known for their calm temperament and adaptability to various habitats
• Proper shelter, a balanced diet, and access to water are essential for their health
• Domestic greylags can live for 15-20 years with proper care
• They make excellent additions to backyard poultry flocks and can serve as protective guardians

Understanding the Domestic Greylag Goose

The domestic greylag goose (Anser anser domesticus) has a long history of over a thousand years. They come from the wild greylag goose found in northern and central Eurasia. These geese have been bred for their meat, eggs, and looks. Today, there are many domestic greylag goose breeds, each with its own look and size.

Origin and History of the Breed

The greylag goose was first domesticated in ancient Egypt over 3,000 years ago. This led to the A. a. domesticus subspecies. Over time, different breeds were developed through selective breeding. These breeds are key in wildfowl farming, providing meat and eggs for centuries.

Characteristics and Behavior

Domestic greylag geese have thick necks and bulky bodies. They come in white, gray, or a mix of both. Males are often mostly white. They are protective and loud, staying with their mates for life.

“The average weight of a greylag goose is 3.3 kilograms (7 lb 4 oz), and they typically measure between 74 and 91 centimeters (29 and 36 in) in length, with a wingspan ranging from 147 to 180 centimeters (58 to 71 in).”

Differences from Wild Greylag Geese

Domestic greylag geese are different from their wild relatives. They have been bred for meat, eggs, and looks. This has led to size, color, and behavior changes.

Hybridization among goose species can happen. This results in offspring with varied features like bill color and body patterns. Knowing these differences is important for breeders and enthusiasts in wildfowl farming.

Choosing the Right Habitat

Choosing the right habitat is key for raising domestic greylag geese. They need a big space that lets them act naturally. With the right goose housing, your geese will thrive.

Ideal Space Requirements

Domestic greylags need lots of room to move, eat, and fly. One acre can support 10-15 heavy geese or 20 lighter ones. This space lets them forage naturally and stay healthy.

Essential Shelter Features

To keep your geese safe, use predator-proof pens. These pens should be strong and have a dry shelter. Make sure the shelter is well-ventilated, easy to clean, and has nesting areas for your geese.

“Geese are social creatures that thrive in the company of their own kind. By providing a spacious and secure habitat, you create an environment where they can flourish and express their natural behaviors.” – Dr. Susan Reynolds, Waterfowl Veterinarian

Water Source Considerations

Domestic greylags love waterfowl ponds and water. They need clean water to drink and a pond or tub to swim in. This keeps them clean, healthy, and entertained.

When picking a habitat for your domestic greylag geese, focus on space, safety, and water. Meeting these needs will make a happy home for your geese.

Feeding and Nutrition

Proper nutrition is key for domestic Greylag geese to stay healthy. They love to eat grass, aquatic plants, and grains. Goose feed should have a mix of pellets, wheat, and oyster shell grit for their digestive health.

Geese spend half their day eating on land and water. In the wild, they eat grasses, clover, and grains. Domestic geese need extra food because they can’t roam freely. Without grass, a medium goose eats about 200g of food daily.

Balanced Diet for Domestic Greylags

A goose’s diet should be 80% grass and 20% grains. They eat about half a pound of food daily. In warm months, they eat mostly grass, enjoying grasses and weeds.

Geese can eat up to 2.5 pounds of grass daily, making them efficient grazers.

Common Feeding Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t overfeed domestic Greylag geese. Always provide fresh, clean water. Offer treats for geese in small amounts. They like greens and leftover veggies, but only in moderation.

Seasonal Dietary Adjustments

In winter, feed more grains and add greens when grass is scarce. Give layers pellets in the breeding season for calcium. Geese don’t need commercial layer feed but benefit from niacin from foods like peanuts and whole wheat.

• Fall: Increase food to build winter reserves
• Winter: More grains and greens
• Spring: Layers pellets for calcium
• Summer: Grass, herbs, and weeds

Health and Maintenance

Keeping domestic greylag geese healthy is key to their long life and happiness. As a responsible owner, knowing about goose diseases and how to prevent them is important. Also, knowing how to maintain their health is essential.

Common Health Issues and Prevention

Domestic greylags can get sick from waterfowl parasites and diseases like avian influenza. To keep them safe, keep their living area clean and deworm them regularly. Look out for signs of illness like stumbling or loss of appetite. If you see these signs, get help from an avian vet right away.

Owners and individuals responsible for geese must ensure the health and welfare of the birds, recognizing signs of good health and behavioral changes.

Vaccination and Veterinary Care

Work with an experienced avian vet to set up a vaccination plan for your geese. Regular vet visits and care can catch health problems early. If there’s an outbreak, like Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, follow CDC and USDA advice. This might mean quarantine or even putting down the flock.

Grooming and Feather Maintenance

When geese molt, give them extra protein and a dry place to rest. Check their feathers for signs of picking or parasites. Geese preen to keep their feathers waterproof and warm. Make sure they have clean water for grooming.

By staying informed, keeping their environment clean, and working with a vet, you can help your domestic greylag geese live a long, happy life.

Breeding and Reproduction

Domestic Greylag Geese have interesting mating habits and reproductive behaviors. They are monogamous, often staying in pairs or trios for life. In early spring, females lay 4-6 goose eggs on average. Make sure they have private areas with comfy straw bedding for nesting.

Mating Habits and Nesting

Greylag Geese are very loyal to their mates. They often come back to the same nesting spots every year. Males protect their mates and territory during breeding season.

Females pick quiet spots to build their nests. They use soft materials like down feathers. Incubation lasts 28-30 days, best done by the goose or a broody hen.

Care of Goslings

Goslings hatch fully feathered and ready to go. They start exploring and foraging with their parents soon after hatching. It’s important to watch their growth and make sure they’re gaining weight.

Keep them in a safe, enclosed area for grazing and swimming. This protects them from predators.

Recognizing Healthy Offspring

Healthy goslings have bright eyes, fluffy feathers, and move well. They should be curious and follow their parents. Regular weight checks help track their growth and spot health issues early.

Feed them well, keep water clean, and provide a safe place. This way, your goslings will grow into strong, healthy Greylag Geese. With the right care, they can bring joy and companionship for years.