Ducks and a Goose?

[Egoelden]

Okay, I have read so many mixed opinions on keeping a single goose with several ducks. It seems like for many people it works well and others say it's not good for the goose or that it all depends on how much space you have.

I am getting 4 female ducklings (1 silver appleyard, 2 welsh harlequins, 1 magpie) next week, there are also some lovely Sebastopol goslings available locally and I would really like to get one but I am not sure if it's a good idea or not. Our brand new run has 180 sq.ft. and the indoor coop is 24sq.ft., I also have a 24sq.ft. pond and will plan to free range regularly on my half acre property/garden.

Is this enough space for 4 ducks and a goose?
Will a single goose truly be lonely if raised from the start with ducklings?
If the goose ends up being male (It would come unsexed...) would that cause issues?

I am new to raising ducks so please be honest but kind with your answers. Thank you.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Geese do better with their own species. They also have different care requirements like their diet is mostly grass. They can be loud and occasionally aggressive, and they make a lot more watery poop. If it's a male it may try mating the ducks. Mine see me and come flapping and flying in my direction. They really do need space to graze, and move.

I personally would get two and have a back up plan if they become aggressive with the ducks. They are more personable than ducks. I'd actually skip the ducks and just get the geese, but that's just me.

 

[KathiQuacks]

I’d definitely opt for 2 geese. A goose cannot communicate with or relate to the ducks properly. Their diets & behaviors are pretty different. They will certainly be less happy without a friend of their own kind.

The run & free range area are fine. The coop would be a bit cramped, though.

Male geese are generally ruder and may attempt to mate your ducks, potentially causing injury or worse. Females are safer & more likely to be calm.