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
Recognize the significant size difference and potential for geese (especially ganders) to bully or injure chickens.
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🛠️ None
- Consider different water needs5
Understand that geese need open water for cleaning/swimming, which poses a drowning risk for chickens.
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🛠️ Chicken waterer, Goose water tub/pool
- Address disease transmission risks4
Be aware that geese can carry diseases or parasites that may affect chickens (and vice versa) even if they appear healthy.
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- Provide separate housing/shelter5
Ideally, provide separate nighttime housing/shelters for geese and chickens.
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🛠️ Separate coop/shelter structures
- Allow supervised, shared daytime ranging3
If space allows, consider allowing supervised shared access to a large pasture or yard during the day.
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🛠️ Large fenced area
- Use separate feeders4
Provide separate feeding stations for geese and chickens.
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🛠️ Chicken feeder, Goose feeder (e.g., wide pan)