Canadian Geese

16 years ago

I am a long term lurker but read this board religiously. there is so much great info on here!!

I am having a problem with the dreaded Canadian geese. We have had a flock of 15 or so claim our property for the past few years. We have tried everything short of shooting to kill. I would love to know a humane method to try and remove them. They love my horse pasture and I cannot stand walking through the field any longer. Now they have decided to come closer to the house where my children play. I do not want to try any of the lawn products that you sparay or dust with because of my small children and the horses. Any ideas? I am going crazy!!!

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Comments (5)

paulns
16 years ago
They're actually 'Canada Geese' (Branta canadensis). Likewise, or conversely, your American Eagle is the Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). We cherish the few Canada Geese that pass through here but I know they can be hazards elsewhere in Canada, especially urban areas, and I'm sure somebody here has helpful experience to share.
oregon_veg
16 years ago
I hate it when people post useless responses just to make someone look like an idiot. Just what was the purpose of your response paulns? stofferj probably doesn't care about the technical names, nor that you cherish them. It doesn't answer the question.

stofferj, there are a few options in the following links.
You're not the only one with this problem.
I would contact the dept of natural resources, or fish and game in your area. They should be able to help.

http://www.uwex.edu/ces/wihort/pests/CanadaGeese.htm
http://www.howtodothings.com/home-and-garden/a4704-how-to-get-rid-of-canadian-geese.html
http://www.gemplers.com/item/G75664.html
http://kdka.com/local/local_story_198195846.html

Tom
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bulldinkie
16 years ago
I have swans on pond they keep them away./They do try...When a pair mate the young come back next year say 15 young and they have large litters,those maybe not all will come back but say10 come back they mate yep you bet its a problem.we chase them off with gator.,you could try firecrackers.Theres a gated community near us that sets off what sounds to be abomb every spring for a week to get hundreds to leave.Some come here till we chase them away.My jack russell chases them too.so they dont stay long.
paulns
16 years ago
"This well-known species is native to North America. It breeds in Canada and the northern United States in a variety of habitats."

People have this habit - maybe I'm just noticing it more recently - of seeing pests/terrorists/bad weather as coming from outside their borders to invade their homeland, I try to correct these assumptions wherever I see them, no offence intended.

Here is a link that might be useful: Canada Goose
stofferj
Original Author
16 years ago
Good morninag all! Thanks for all of the info!

Bulldinkie- We have tried the swans, firecrackers, mylar balloons, fake swans that we laid on their sides, just to name a few! Nothing seems to get through to these guys to move along. Sadly, our two dogs, each a 220 lb. English Mastiff, are total porch dogs! LOL! They are big and lazy and have no interest in chasing anything!! But you may be onto something with a dog...Will really check that out.

Oregon veg! I hit the jackpot with your reply!! I called a few of the agencies you suggested. A wealth of info! Here in Pittsburgh, there is controversey (sp) regarding the removal of the geese from local parks. So it was a really good idea for me to call those numbers before taking matters into my own hands.

Here in Sw PA, you need a permit to even HARASS the geese! Because we have a farm with horses (and these geese are in the pasture), the Wildlife Game commission are coming out to give us a hand. After 3-4 years of this, this is a welcome relief.

A few interesting facts...Do not bother chasing the geese in June and July becuase this is their molt and they have lost their flight feathers, so when we were chasing them, they would just kind of waddle away, and not do anything, but actually got used to our noises. Good to know, but we realized we wasted a lot of time! LOL!

Thanks to all who answered. I am so happy I posted this question here. All of you who have the geese know how damaging and dirty these guys can be. Do you know they litter the land with approx. 3 lbs of droppings per day?

On another note...I did call the USDA (one of the better Geese removal agencies)and asked if they thought the droppings on my pasture where my horses eat would potentially harm my animals. They said there is no documentation, but it is likely. What are your thoughts? Both children playing around it and horses possibly eating?

Canadian Geese

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paulns

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Canadian Geese

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paulns

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