Geese have been used throughout history as “guardians.” We added two male Chinese geese to our farm this spring. They are supposed to be the best guards. According to Myers Hatchery this breed of geese, “Obtained the nickname “swan goose” because of its elegant long graceful neck. White Chinese geese are frosted white and have a prominently raised knob and orange feet. They are prolific egg layers with a great personality. This is a very talkative breed that makes a great guard goose. They are perfect for alarming when intruders are near or when they feel threatened. Due to their small stature, White Chinese geese also make great weeders.”

The first time I saw a goose was at my husband’s parents’ farm. It was sitting on eggs and it hissed at us when we got close. I told my husband that I never wanted to get a goose, but with our chickens moving longer distances from the house on pasture, I thought it might be a good idea to have a guardian with them to protect them from aerial predators. I have read that geese can be rather mean, so I’m hoping we won’t have to have a goose dinner in the near future. This sweet male goose is rather shy and would choose to spend time with us humans, but hopefully he will settle in with the chickens soon. Have you raised geese? Did you like them? We love to hear from you!