Five beautiful Pilgrim geese have been abandoned at a cemetery where their droppings on the gravesites are not appreciated.
This group of two females and three ganders is at risk of being shot, of fatal illness and of public interference. One female has already been poached and another perished with botulism due to the toxic pond water - leaving their partners bereft. Geese pair for life.
Because they are a family group, we need a home for them where they can all stay together.
Geese will keep the grass down, fertilize the land and they make good pets and excellent watchdogs. They will need protection from roaming dog attacks.
Their new homes should provide large lawn or pasture areas on which the birds can graze, and have access to fresh drinking water every day. They love to swim, so preference will be given where a pond, dam or other open body of water is available – which would also provide an escape area for them. Life style blocks, smallholdings and farms would provide suitable homes.
Depending on the quality of the pasture, an acre will support 10–20 geese. If it’s excellent quality and marshy, more could be accommodated. Supplementary wheat and other feed, grit, bread and mash would, of course, always be much appreciated. Eggs should be collected to prevent population growth. The infrequently laid eggs can be eaten.
Natural or manmade shelter should be provided. Three sided, double stacked hay bales with a roofing material secured over the top would be sufficient if a straw flooring is regularly replaced.
If you would like to offer sanctuary to these or other geese, please study the many websites on the subject of their care.
Because some people exploit geese for their flesh and feathers, please only approach other parties who you know are genuine in their desire to preserve the lives of animals in strife.
Successful applicants must be willing to have me or my representative visit the geese at about three monthly intervals for the length of their natural lifespan of 20-30 years.
If you, or others you know, are able to offer a safe haven to these fascinating creatures, I look forward to the applications. Thank you.
