Ensure adequate size

Allocate 6-8 square feet of shelter floor space per goose for standard breeds, or 10-15 square feet per goose for larger breeds like Toulouse or Embden. Measure your flock size and plan the shelter dimensions before building to avoid overcrowding.

Why It Works

Overcrowded shelters increase aggression, feather picking, and soiled bedding. Geese need room to turn around, stretch their wings, and lie down without being stepped on. Adequate space also improves air quality by reducing moisture and ammonia concentration per square foot. A flock of 6 standard geese needs a minimum shelter footprint of roughly 6 by 8 feet.

Tips

• Add 25% extra space if you plan to expand the flock within the next year
• Wider, shallower shelters work better than deep, narrow ones for flock movement
• Separate broody or injured geese with a temporary partition rather than building a second shelter