If you are reading this, and wondering if raising geese as pets is a bad idea, don't worry, there are thousands of geese being raised in gardens all around the world.
Your choice of breed of goose will completely depend on you. Some breeds are good-natured and great as a garden companion. Others are rather aggressive but make wonderful ‘watch dogs'.
When on the lookout for a goose, keep in mind that they need to be kept as a gaggle (in a group of two or more), if you fail to do so, your goose will become distressed and lonely. If you can only find one goose, the other option is to acquire a couple of ducks or chickens as a surrogate flock.
All poultry need shelter, and for geese this is just as important as for chicken, however, they do not need a coop. A three-sided hutch/small barn will keep them safe in a storm – make sure that it keeps them out of a
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ny drafts. Supply hay as bedding and always use this shelter as their feeding place. In this way they will not feel the need to leave; they will learn that their shelter = food.
It is not uncommon for geese to be attacked by predators, so be prepared for this situation. If you feel that your shelter is not protected enough, you have the option of locking them in during the night and letting them out in the morning. This can result in a messy shelter which, in this case, will need daily cleaning and fresh hay and water. While on the subject, a plentiful supply of fresh water should be provided daily, do not rely on the pond to provide them with their daily need for water.
Try to purchase your pet at an early age (as a gosling). A gosling's wings will not need to be clipped as it will not be able to fly. Remember that goslings are more sensitive to the cold than mature geese, their downy feathers are not waterproof, and so care should be taken to prevent them from getting wet. If your gosling does happen to get wet, towel-dry it and keep it warm.
Enjoy the calming experience of having beautiful and graceful geese in your garden.