Can geese live with chickens?
Many backyard poultry keepers wonder if they can house geese and chickens together in the same space or coop. While possible, there are several potential issues to consider regarding health, safety, and compatibility.
- Be aware of size difference and bullying5
Solution
Recognize the significant size difference and potential for geese (especially ganders) to bully or injure chickens.
Explanation
Geese are much larger and stronger than chickens. Ganders, particularly during mating season, can be aggressive and may harm or even kill chickens, especially roosters they see as rivals.
Notes
Supervision is crucial if they share space.
📌 precaution 🛠️ None4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Consider different water needs5
Solution
Understand that geese need open water for cleaning/swimming, which poses a drowning risk for chickens.
Explanation
Geese will splash water extensively, making shared drinkers messy. More importantly, the pools or tubs geese need for swimming are deep enough for chickens (especially young ones) to fall into and drown.
Notes
Provide separate water sources designed for each species.
📌 separation 🛠️ Chicken waterer, Goose water tub/pool4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Address disease transmission risks4
Solution
Be aware that geese can carry diseases or parasites that may affect chickens (and vice versa) even if they appear healthy.
Explanation
Different species can have different susceptibility and resistance to pathogens. Close contact increases the risk of cross-species transmission. Good biosecurity and hygiene are important if kept together.
Notes
Consult a vet about specific regional disease risks.
📌 precaution 🛠️ None4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Provide separate housing/shelter5
Solution
Ideally, provide separate nighttime housing/shelters for geese and chickens.
Explanation
Chickens need roosts, geese sleep on the floor. Chickens prefer enclosed coops, geese often prefer simpler shelters. Separate housing prevents nighttime conflicts and allows for species-specific environments (e.g., managing bedding moisture).
Notes
This is the safest approach.
📌 separation 🛠️ Separate coop/shelter structures4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Allow supervised, shared daytime ranging3
Solution
If space allows, consider allowing supervised shared access to a large pasture or yard during the day.
Explanation
In a large enough area, geese and chickens may ignore each other. However, supervision is key initially to watch for aggression. Ensure chickens can easily escape geese if needed.
Notes
Not recommended in small runs or confined spaces.
📌 management 🛠️ Large fenced area4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution - Use separate feeders4
Solution
Provide separate feeding stations for geese and chickens.
Explanation
Their nutritional needs differ (especially regarding niacin for geese), and geese may prevent chickens from accessing feed. Using feeders appropriate for each species prevents waste and bullying at feeding time.
Notes
Place feeders apart.
📌 separation 🛠️ Chicken feeder, Goose feeder (e.g., wide pan)4/16/2025, 9:22:03 PM
solution