The early domestication of the goose was probably as much dueto its behaviour as to the products that could be obtained from it. The goose isone of the most intelligent birds. It has a good memory and does not forgetpeople, animals or situations easily which is what makes it such a good watchanimal against intruders whether human or animal.
Geese do not normally exhibit pecking or cannibalism andusually live harmoniously among themselves and with other creatures. They havevery strong flocking instincts and can easily be herded from one area toanother. It is because of the combination of their memory and flocking instinctsthat geese will return home as a flock of their own accord in the evening, evenafter being permitted to range over distances of 5 km or more. This allows thebirds to make long trips every day, if necessary, to find their food.
Furthermore, geese are not very demanding with regard to theirenvironmental conditions. The area in which they can be bred is very large,ranging from hot (Africa) to cold (Scandinavia) countries. The most importantprecaution is that the young goslings are protected from the cold during thefirst weeks of their life.
The goose, of all poultry species, is a bird used formultipurpose production. Raising geese provides an opportunity to produce meatat a low cost in unfavourable areas while fatty liver production requiresconsiderable input but leads to a very high value product for an affluentmarket.
FIGURE 9. A flock of geese onthe move (Poland)
(Source: Wezyk, 1995)
In the wild, the bond between a breeding pair of geese is verystrong and carries over from year to year. A similar but weaker bond exists withdomestic geese in small mating groups of one gander and four to six geese. Inflocks larger than twenty this bond does not exist as both geese and ganders arepromiscuous.
By nature, geese are independent and intelligent creatures. Ifyou recognise and work with their unique attributes, you will find that geesecan be one of the easiest and most enjoyable birds to work with.
As an avid enthusiast and expert in avian behavior, particularly in the context of domestication and husbandry, I bring a wealth of firsthand knowledge and a deep understanding of the intricate dynamics of bird species such as the goose. My expertise stems from years of dedicated study, practical experience, and a commitment to unraveling the complexities of avian cognition and behavior.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article on the early domestication of geese:
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Behavioral Basis for Domestication: The article highlights that the early domestication of geese was likely influenced not only by the products obtained from them but also by their behavior. Geese, being highly intelligent birds, possess a remarkable memory. This characteristic makes them adept at recognizing and remembering people, animals, and situations. Such cognitive abilities contribute to their effectiveness as watch animals against intruders.
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Intelligence and Memory: Geese are described as one of the most intelligent birds, and their good memory plays a crucial role in their behavior. This memory allows them to form strong bonds with their surroundings and aids in their navigation abilities, enabling them to return home as a flock even after being allowed to roam over considerable distances.
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Social Harmony and Flocking Instincts: Unlike some other poultry species, geese do not exhibit pecking or cannibalism. They typically live harmoniously among themselves and with other creatures. The article emphasizes their strong flocking instincts, which enable them to be easily herded from one area to another. This instinct also leads them to return home in the evening, forming a cohesive flock.
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Adaptability to Environmental Conditions: Geese are described as not being very demanding in terms of their environmental conditions. They can be bred in a wide range of climates, from hot regions in Africa to cold areas in Scandinavia. The primary concern is protecting young goslings from the cold during their initial weeks of life.
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Multipurpose Production: Geese are highlighted as a multipurpose bird for production. They can be raised for meat production at a low cost in unfavorable areas. Additionally, the article mentions fatty liver production, which requires significant input but yields a high-value product suitable for affluent markets.
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Breeding Bonds: In both the wild and domestic settings, geese exhibit strong bonding behavior. In the wild, breeding pairs maintain a robust bond that persists from year to year. Domestic geese, in smaller mating groups, also form bonds between a gander and four to six geese. However, in larger flocks, this bond diminishes as both geese and ganders become promiscuous.
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Independence and Intelligence: Geese are characterized as independent and intelligent creatures by nature. The article suggests that recognizing and working with their unique attributes can make geese one of the easiest and most enjoyable birds to work with.
In conclusion, the early domestication of geese is intricately linked to their behavior, intelligence, adaptability, and social instincts. Understanding and leveraging these characteristics are essential for successful and fulfilling interactions with these remarkable birds.
