How to Bond with Geese (2024)

FAQs

How to Bond with Geese? ›

A group of tame goslings will rush to their keeper with their necks outstretched and making a series of greeting sounds to establish their bond. To make the birds tame, the goslings need a response- bend down and talk to them. Sometimes the noisier your display, the better.

Some geese can be "trained" to be less aggressive. Often, a very young, "imprinted" gosling will still be very bonded to its owners as an adult, but sometimes that very same goose will become aggressive since it doesn't have any respect or fear of humans.

Chasing is going to stress them out and will likely make them skittish around you. Lowering yourself down to their level and offering a little bit of feed or a treat can help encourage geese to want to spend time with you! Some more nervous geese may actively avoid your grip, so they might require a bit more coaxing.

Woo them with your smooth talkin'.

Talking to your ducks and geese frequently in a calm, gentle voice before you arrive at their coop and while you interact with them will keep them relaxed and stress-free when you are around.

They will come to love a word that you repetitively tell them when you are raising them. My older geese are fans of honk while my younger geese do not care much for it. It is not necessarily a bad sign when goslings or geese peck and chew on you or your clothes or things.

There is one unique ability limited to birds alone that makes geese, the first, and ducks, the second, most natural animal companions to humans. That ability, which is one of the strongest forces in nature, is the imprint.

Though they may seem aggressive, most geese are docile and will not attack your visitors, unless they are protecting a nest or chicks. Aggression during breeding season is quite common, so Hoppes recommends keeping an extra eye on your birds and visitors during that time of the year.

Water. Ducks and geese love to splash around in water, so a water feature is non-negotiable for optimal happiness. A natural pond is great, but a children's wading pool works just fine, provided it's kept clean and is easily accessible to even your smallest swimmers.

Canada geese don't like to be touched or petted. It's just not their thing. They show affection for humans (and each other) vocally. In addition to honking, geese coo, chatter, chirp and chime.

Face the goose and maintain eye contact

Your instinct may be to turn and run away, but this is exactly what you should not do. Instead, if you're confronted by a goose, maintain eye contact with it and stand your ground. Once you've made eye contact, move slowly and try not to make a bunch of noise or quick movements.

What does it mean if a goose hisses at you? ›

Varment Guard Wildlife Service says that geese will hiss and chase, but an actual physical attack does not happen too often. They have the following tips to keep yourself safe from an aggressive goose or gander. Watch for any hissing, headbobbing, or honking. This means the goose is ready to start chasing you.

If he keeps coming, swing your arms to make yourself look as big as possible, and run toward him. If that doesn't work, extend your arm with a pointed finger (creating the appearance of a long goose neck with a beak at the end), and move menacingly toward him.

Some people say you're supposed to mimic their action, but I've found just repeating a familiar tone or phrase or offering treats is usually good enough. Geese use a lot of body language to communicate, as well as verbal cues. The head bowing is a greeting.

Feed geese who approach with a friendly warble and show some interest in your presence. If the geese are very skittish or alarmed, or are standoffish and do not immediately wander up to you, you might be in a known predator area. In this case, try to move closer to the flock in order to feed geese safely.

The largest breed of goose, the Dewlap Toulouse is also one of the most docile and friendly. More interested in food than aggression, they make excellent pets and are also exceptional egg layers.

But, she adds, just remember, her new research suggests that birdwatching goes both ways. Geese can remember faces, too. KLEINDORFER: If you were ever not kind to a goose, then woe to you the rest of your life. It shall not be a happy one if that goose finds you again.

If you have heard (or experienced) horror stories involving mean geese, it may seem logical to be afraid of them. However, geese are deeply social, affectionate birds who will only attack people who are perceived as threats.

Humans are very rarely attacked by geese, but it does happen. They're very territorial animals and can certainly cause injury if they do decide to attack you. Geese may bite or hit you with their exceptionally strong wings and can occasionally cause a serious injury.

A Canada goose never forgets a face - or a kindness. Give one treats or rescue an injured goose and you have made a friend for life. 5. Canada geese families are very territorial, wanting no other geese near their young.