Domestic Goose | Domesticated as Poultry and Guard at Farms

Domestic Goose is a pet goose (either graylag or swan) which is being kept as poultry for getting meat, eggs, and down feathers since long.

Weight and Size

Domestic Goose is a domesticated breed selected for its bigger size. Its normal weight is considered up to 22 lb (10 Kg). Comparatively, wild swan goose is weighing up to 7.7 lb (3.5 Kg) and wild graylag goose is weighing up to 9 lb (4.1 kg).

Origins and Characteristics

The original pet goose in Europe, northern Africa and western Asia is derived from “Graylag Goose”; whereas in eastern Asia, it is the consequence of “Swan Goose” which is generally called ‘Chinese Goose’. Both the graylag and swan geese have recently been recognized and its modern flocks have been found in Australia and North America which consist either the species or hybrids. The “Chinese Goose” can be easily distinguished from European Goose seeing the big knob at the base of the bill. The hybrid breeds show every degree of dissimilarity between two species.

Goose Behavior 

The Geese have excellent eyesight and they remain very alert and inquisitive due to their strong territorial natures. Thus goose attacks on human beings have also been reported. Some Canadian Geese attacks in ‘Cincinnati Parks’ have also been reported for knocking people down and breaking their bones. Due to this aggressive and territorial behavior, the geese can be used as guards both at farms and other places. These geese are very intellectual to observe strange people or sounds. The loud honking of these geese can alert the humans to see unusual activities observed there.

Fertility and Breeding

The domestic geese are mostly selected for their fertility. The females lay up to 50 eggs per annum which are comparatively higher the wild geese that lay 5 to 12 eggs per year. The eggs are large edible weighing about 120 grams (4.2 oz) to 170 grams (6.0 oz). The eggs are also used in cooking like as the hen's eggs. The goose’s eggs have comparatively more yolk than chickens and they are cooked at denser heat. The taste is likely the same as chicken eggs, but somewhat gamier.

Domestic Goose as Guard

Domestic Geese are very protective of their offspring. Due to their very aggressive nature, loud voice, and sensitivity to observe unusual actions, the geese also contribute to the security of belongings. In the 1950s, the VNAF used flocks of “Geese” for safeguarding their parked aircraft at the night in South Vietnam due to their loud voices.

The domestic goose is also used as a guard animal both at the farms and other places.

American Buff Goose

American Buff Geese are the domestic breed originated in the USA. The American Buff Goose was the first accepted by “American Poultry Association” in 1947. The breed is titled for its distinct color variety which includes apricot or fawn hue. American Buff Geese are average weight pets. The ganders are normally considered about 18 lb (8.2 Kg) and geese 16 (ib) in weight.

Like as another domestic goose, the American Buff Goose was bred from graylag goose of Europe and Asia. The American Buff Geese are produced for their meat and eggs. They are generally kept by farmers. They are recognized for their calm and quiet nature. It is a very rare poultry breed which is registered as critical on the priority list of “American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.”