Sebastopol Goslings

they look very nice and wish i could have some eggs but i know that is inpossible. i had one goose hatch out of four now i am not sure what to do with it i can't seem to get it to eat, it is starting 3 days old thanks

I agree with you Allen, they are unusual and pretty - as are the tame mallards and some other ducks. As a retired biologist and water specialist, I would caution you to keep their numbers low and controlled - sell or give away surplus, or fine dining! They are major grass, forage eaters and if too many will keep your riparian zone around ponds or creeks too overgrazed and clipped. This zone should have native riparian plants for maybe 20 - 50 feet around the edges from 6inches to 6 ft. Some riparian trees and shrubs too to anchor the banks and shade the water. The riparian zone is crucial to maintaining water quality through filtration and stopping sediments or poop from washing into the water. It also slows down water giving it a chance to soak in. On all your pastures around water keep the livestock numbers low and rotate pastures, giving quality grazing plants and wildlife plants a chance to recover and seed. Geese, and ducks to a lesser extent, are "Super Poopers" - eat a bite, take two steps and poop. This not only can overload a pasture, but the ponds and creeks themselves - too much nutrients and bacteria....... spoils any swimming you might want to do. Judging from your very large house, you must have a bunch of kids who like to swim. We have a constant battle with tame ducks here in City parks and along the Guadalupe River which runs through Kerrville, TX. People have released them - they multiply like crazy and people love to feed them. They can really foul standing water especially....... or is it "fowl"? I really enjoy your weekly show on the farm place - it is beautiful. thanks, Mike

Do you have any information and/or references on the care and feeding of geese, particularly the adult geese? Do they need any sort of shelter or nesting boxes? What about any supplemental feeding? And finally what methods can be used to control their population?

I,m looking for Sebastopol geese babies or adults. where can I buy a new addition to my family in MI. Karen Swan

I'm fascinated by this breed but worry if they might be too vulnerable where I live. Eagles often fly overhead. Are they an expensive operation to get started?

Allen, I watched your show today and I love the sebastopol geese. I plan to get some for my country home. They are such beauties and thanks for the intorduction. Also, can you suggests a breeder? I want the same variety that you have on your farm. Thanks, Scotty

I saw your program (all of them actually!) where you showed your sebastopol geese. I have been unsuccessful in finding either goslings or breeding geese. I live in South Carolina and could pick up in neighboring states. I'm putting in a small pond for them. Do you know where I can buy a pair?

I am trying to find out what the name of the ducks or geese you had in your flowing garden a couple of weeks ago. You said they were very good at eating bugs and did not bother your flower. Can you please tell me what there name was. Thank you so much, Louise

Hi Allen, You mentioned a number of ducks you have in your garden retreat home.There were white ducks and I believe you called them Indian runner ducks.They were very thin and ran through your garden eating insects and only needed water for drinking.Would these ducks also be called Pomeranian ducks? Thanks very much,Glenn

Hello, On a recent program on television there were white ducks in the garden.Can you please tell me the name of them? Thanks,Glenn

I love this article...just as I love all farm animals. I made pets of them all. I really miss my country home.

nice story -- how about a video os the goslings.

I loved your article on the spring goslings. It brings back memories of my childhood on a farm in Kentucky. My mother raised geese for the feathers she made into fluffy pillows for our use and to give to other family & friends. My sisters & I were always excited each spring when it was time for the geese to start setting on the big eggs they had laid. We watched the nests & waited to hear the first tiny peep from a tiny gosling coming from an egg. How thrilled we were to see the first little fluffy yellow goslings swimming with mama goose on our pond. Thanks for bringing those memories back to me.

I have wanted to raise these beauties also but recently had a bobcat kill two of my Pekin ducks. I still have a Black Cuyuga duck and am hoping the color will help her blend in.What about predators on your farm? The Sebastopals would be awful expensive catfood!