Canada Geese
Canada geese are probably the most commonly seen goose in the whole of Britain, and they are also sometimes seen in captivity too. They are one of the smaller species of geese, but they still can be aggressive in the breeding season despite this and therefore should always be approached only if necessary and with caution at this time of the year. They are not migratory birds but are highly gregarious and slightly nomadic, often moving in large groups from pond to pond searching for food supplies in winter or nesting grounds later in the year. Geese are grazing birds and so therefore spend a lot of time off the water and in fields. These birds require ample space and others of their own kind, but apart from that their needs are fairly simple. A secluded shelter is necessary, and ideally a shed or similar outbuilding should be used as a night house. The birds can be trained to go into it by being herded for the first week or so at the desired time of ‘shutting up’, after which they should remember to do so. Whilst this method provides more predator – proof protection, it is less time consuming to simply provide the birds with plenty of sheltered and/or safe options as the geese should make use of them this way and it is a more natural and stress free method, for both you and the birds! In the breeding season however the geese will need more substantial shelters to build nests in. A triangular shaped shelter can work quite well in this situation. If the geese have plenty of grass then this will account for a good portion of their diet, but in large groups they will soon deplete this and so fencing off areas allowing them to grow back after being eaten is advisable. Fresh drinking water should be available at all times either in the form of a waterway or simply a drinking bowl, and specialist waterfowl feed or mixed corn can be used also. It is not absolutely necessary to provide the birds with water to swim in but many experts would advise it as geese find it very enjoyable to have a good bathe or swim even the area of water is very small it will still be appreciated by the birds. If you do not have a pond then a children’s sandpit filled with water should suffice but as with drinking water remember to change the liquid regularly. It is not a good idea to let geese bathe in small fishponds as they disperse a lot of water in doing so and this could be rather distressing for the fish!
PHOTOS TO COME SOON
PHOTOS TO COME SOON