Housing geese

Breeding sheds need only be simple. A skillion roof provides suitable shelter but it is essential that the shed be completely enclosed, and locked at night for protection against foxes and other predators.

An 8–10 cm layer of shavings on the floor will help maintain dry conditions, which are essential. Cement floors may be needed, depending on climate and drainage. Geese tend to foul their sleeping quarters, so damp and wet litter must be removed frequently. For this reason, in many overseas countries there is a move towards housing geese on slatted floors.

Yards should be provided with each shed. Yard size is partly determined by the amount of space available and the method of management and feeding. As a guide, a yard should allow each goose 2 m2 of ground space. Yards should be as large as possible, and before running geese, it is best to sow the yards to pasture.

The size of the yards will be governed to a large extent by the number of geese to each shed. Each breeding flock need not be confined to a separate shed and yard.

Provide each shed with nest boxes, even though some geese will make their own nests in the litter on the floor.

If geese are to be housed extensively on pasture, then it is not essential to provide birds with houses as such; however, the yard should be completely fox-proofed.

Slatted floors

The following are suggested specifications for slatted floors provided in geese housing:

  • 2 cm width at top of slat to ensure good standing area;
  • 1.5 cm width at bottom to ensure easy removal of excreta;
  • 1.5 cm distance between slats;
  • 1 m2 floor space per goose.

Height above ground level is governed by the way excreta is cleaned away.