Raising Geese

[maud gonne]

Does anyone keep geese (not mon-) for pets/eggs? I kept them on the mainland and adore them. I was thinking they might be large enough to not be hassled by mongeese, and might be able to forage for themselves and not need too much "keeping" or protection. I remember one egg made an omelet - although they only laid once a year, when they were getting a clutch together. I'd like to hear any Puna experiences with gooseherding.

[lquade]

i have a friend who raises them in HPP. they are beautiful and HUGE, i think they would be mongoose (and cat/dog) proof within a very few weeks. i think you would have to have a fenced area with grass because the sharp edges of lava would give them bumblefoot other than that if you have enough land to support them free ranging it seems a good fit.

[durian]

My friend had a flock of 10 Chinese weeder geese in kapoho. There were no losses to mongooses. He wanted them to eat grass to help in the establishment of his now mow lawn of perennial peanut. He was unhappy with the geese. He said that they started eating the perennial peanut and they liked to attack visitors. It sounds so cute to be attacked by a goose, but is actually unnerving. lol I am absolutely going to get a goose collection once I return to HI. Good luck with yours.