Address disease transmission risks

Maintain strict hygiene when keeping geese and chickens together to limit cross-species disease transmission. Geese can carry avian influenza, pasteurella, and internal parasites such as gizzard worms that also infect chickens. Conversely, chickens may harbour Marek's disease and coccidiosis strains that stress geese sharing the same ground.

Why It Works

Different waterfowl and poultry species have varying resistance levels to the same pathogens. Geese often carry organisms asymptomatically that cause serious illness in chickens. Regular cleaning and veterinary consultation catch problems before they spread through the mixed flock.

Tips

• Deworm both species on a veterinary schedule, typically every 3-4 months
• Clean shared ground areas weekly and rotate pasture if possible
• Consult a poultry vet about regional disease risks such as avian influenza before mixing species