How Our 2 African Geese Became Our Homestead Defenders!

Описание: Adding geese to our flock has been a game changer for protecting our chickens, especially against hawks. Since introducing African geese on the homestead, we’ve had zero daytime fatalities from aerial predators. Their loud honks and bold postures act as a natural deterrent, making hawks think twice about venturing into our property. But are geese the ultimate livestock guardians, or do they fall short when it comes to nighttime protection? Let’s break it down.

Geese have remarkable senses. Their incredible eyesight and possible ability to detect scents make them a great early warning system. They’re always alert, scanning the skies for threats, and their honks are like a car alarm — deafening and impossible to ignore. This vigilance alone has kept hawks at bay in our experience, and when a hawk did get bold, the geese stood their ground, protecting the flock without needing to attack.

Their protective nature stems from bonding with the flock they grow up with. Our African geese were raised alongside our chickens, and now they’re inseparable. Wherever the chickens go, the geese follow, maintaining a watchful eye. Interestingly, the geese also establish themselves as the alphas in the flock, which has kept our roosters surprisingly mellow. With the geese in charge, there’s less aggression among the roosters – a welcome change for us.

That said, geese have their limitations. While they’re fantastic during the day, they fall short at night. Land predators like raccoons are a different story than hawks, and we’ve experienced losses despite the geese sounding the alarm. For nighttime safety, a secure coop or additional measures are essential.

How do geese compare to other livestock guardians? Roosters are willing to engage in a fight and can inflict serious damage with their spurs, but they’re also more likely than other animals to sustain injuries or even die defending the flock. Guinea fowl, on the other hand, are loud and alert but tend to be less focused and more chaotic, making them less effective protectors. Livestock guardian dogs are the gold standard for deterring land predators, especially at night, but they require a significant commitment in terms of training, space and care.

For us, geese strike a great balance for daytime protection against aerial predators. Their bold presence, loud alarms, and unwavering vigilance make them a valuable addition to any flock. However, pairing them with other guardians — like a rooster for added aerial defense and a dog for nighttime security — creates a more comprehensive protection system.

If you’ve considered adding geese to your flock, they’re worth it for daytime protection and flock harmony. But remember, no single guardian is a perfect solution. What’s been your experience with geese or other livestock protectors? Are geese more trouble than they’re worth, or do you see them as an asset to your homestead? Let me know in the comments below, and if you’re into homesteading and livestock tips, don’t forget to like and subscribe for more insights!

In this video:
00:00 - Intro
00:18 - The predator problem
00:38 - Geese as guardians
01:59 - Comparing livestock protectors
05:45 - Final thoughts

Make sure to like and subscribe for more content about raising backyard chickens, and I’ll see you in the next video.

Learn more:

Is THIS the ONLY Way to Protect Chickens from Aerial Predators?:    • Is THIS the ONLY Way to Protect Chickens f...  

How We Protect Our Chickens from Hawks (And Other Aerial Predators):    • How We Protect Our Chickens from Hawks (An...  

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