Tough to judge size... are any of those the super tall (almost a meter, standing) variety?
Yes, the geese usually would weigh about 30-40 lbs. We never ate one, the birds on my farm were all rescued from places where they couldn't be cared for. The Muscovy duck ganders weighed over forty pounds, the females weighed under 20 but they would fly around the farm sounding like flying dragons. They would sometimes perch up in the trees. They have talons and web feet.
oh, paradise for me, with all the beautiful birds! great pics too.
Aaaww! I love all the geeses! We had several gray Chinese geese we hand raised from goslings over the years, and they were so loving. They also could talk clearly, and mimic even our dogs perfectly..better than our many parrots!
These two gray Chinese geese were the ruling class of the flock. All the others made way for them to lead.
Are the geese good at watching over the farm? I have heard that they are as good as dogs and while they can do some damage with their wings they don't leave the bites marks that are problematic with owning dogs if people trespass and get bitten for their stupidity.
My geese were lazy because I was raising livestock guardian dogs, Maremmas, and the geese felt pampered not having to guard the farm. They became very domesticated and would let me pet them and they hung around with people. There were always two or three dogs on duty.
@OldGoat43 I always have had Bouviers, nothing lasts long if the Bouv is on the job.
They were noisier just before feeding times.
You mean that you have already harvested them that you use the past tense?
@FrayedBear Nope, I never had the heart to take one of their lives. They multiplied over the years and by time I had to leave the farm to the bankers there were thirty or more geese. Originally they were rescued by me at an old farm where the owner had died. Most of the animals on my farm were rescued from some situation that made it necessary.
@OldGoat43 bastard banks! They invent money and then charge you for it. Sounds like xtianity...invent heaven and give you hell on earth if you don't put sufficient in the collection plate!
Some good intruder alarms there.
I had Maremma Livestock Guardian dogs as the alarm system and protection armory. They would eat coyotes and wolves, chase bears and humans. They are large arctic dogs and love to sleep in the snow. The males are 150 lbs.
@OldGoat43 When not supplied by nature their food requirements would have been hefty. My local turkey farmer uses a Pyrenean Mountain dog but the most that he has to contend with is the odd fox. We do not have wolves, bears or coyotes just occassional feral dogs and cats.
Posted by FrayedBearShared from New Zealand.
Posted by FrayedBearPesticides killing birds?
Posted by FrayedBearI just had to share this!
Posted by FrayedBearIt's taken about 75 years for Australian birds & mammals to work out how to use the imported cane toads for food.
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearNo one in Victoria, Australia has heard the White Bellied Whip bird for almost 40 years. Have a listen
Posted by FrayedBearGodwit travels 23560 klms from Alaska to Tasmania in 13 days.
Posted by FrayedBearPeregrine falcons in Melbourne Australia live.
Posted by EyesThatSmileMore bird humor…
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by FrayedBearMy current house & pet sit has a new bonus.
Posted by OldGoat43 Not exactly a pretty bird, but he can fly like a pterodactyl.
Posted by InsectraA while back I posted pics of woodcock eggs in a nest.