The flock of geese grows well and good here at Leafhopper Farm. Eight goslings are now loosing their baby down and sprouting fine feathers. The markings of saddle backs continues to come through on the piebald, while the solids brighten into their pure white down. They have adapted to life behind electric mesh fencing, and try to climb into the water buckets, which they can get stuck in, so I’ve had to really watch certain mundane objects that can be lethal to these young ones. Last year one did drown in a trough, so the threat is real. Geese do not spend all their time in water, and will become hypothermic if swimming for an extended period of time. I also found one the other day on its back with no way to turn back over, it was uneven ground, but it had been struggling for a while and seemed quite stressed by the experience. I was concerned about the mesh netting, but as long as it’s hot, the birds seem to feel the energetic boundary and keep well away.
Have I mentioned how much I love Cotton Patch geese? Yes, it’s true, they are wonderful poultry to keep, and do a lot for the land, but, you have to keep them well fenced to prevent garden wandering and pond scumming. With 10 now, the pond turned green after only a few days of summer use, so we’re fencing the geese out to keep things cleaner. Cotton patch are quiet, calm, and attentive. They listen to me when I ask them to “go inside” their stall, and will keep to themselves when amongst the other animals. I can approach them without being attacked, in fact, unless it’s nesting season or the birds are cornered, they avoid and shy away. Anyone familiar with geese will be shocked to hear this. It’s true though, Cotton Patch geese are mild mannered. They do occasionally honk though- which is loud. But my neighbors on the other side of the creek have African geese that are very loud a lot of the time, so I can see why many people avoid keeping geese, but these geese are mostly quiet. They are also great eating, and provide a good amount of grease for cooking and other needs. The down is soft, and can be collected and used to make bedding and winter wear. I’m saving my down up for a comforter.
These animals excel at grazing, but are not a replacement for lawn mowers. Our sheep do the main cutting, then the geese follow behind cleaning up, and maintaining the lawn until it grows back in and needs another grazing down. I can understand why many people keep mowing between grazing to keep certain vegetation down. Here at EEC Forest Stewardship, we rarely mow- and would need someone to bring in equipment when we do. I have a weed wacker to keep stuff off the buildings and gate entrances, but all the rest is done by the animals, which saves on gas and grows more meat for the table. That’s smart husbandry in my book. Speaking of husbandry, the goose plan is to keep just the breeding pair, for now. So this young lot will be sold or slaughtered- if you are in the market for a good pair of geese, contact me at escocrain@gmail.com. We’re asking $75 each for this rare and amazing breed, and you must take at least two, as they are social creatures who need friends to feel safe and happy. I can’t say enough about how easy and gentle these geese are, so if you are new to the species, this is the breed to start with for sure.
EEC Forest Stewardship 