Friendly Geese for Backyard Flocks
Contrary to popular belief, not all geese are aggressive. Several breeds are actually known for their calm dispositions, and if raised by humans from a young age, many geese will become personable and loyal companions.
Whether you’re looking to get geese for utilitarian purposes or as pets, choosing breeds based on temperament is a good first step when selecting the right geese for your needs. Here’s a look at the various benefits geese can bring to a farmstead, as well as four nonaggressive breeds that interact well with people.
Why Get Geese?
For many years, people kept geese primarily as utilitarian livestock. They were often raised for meat, and roast goose was a popular dish on holidays and special occasions. Rendered goose fat was used as a source of culinary shortening for pastry crusts, as a spread for breads, and for melting into other foods — much like butter. Goose grease was also used in herbal salves and other medicinal remedies. And goose down was, and still is, highly treasured as a filling for high-end pillows and as thermal insulation for comforters and winter coats.
Young geese have also been used throughout the centuries as a source of weed control. Geese eat a
