Gänsehaltung

Gänsehaltung refers to the practice of keeping geese, either for domestic purposes or commercial production. Geese have been domesticated for thousands of years, valued for their meat, eggs, feathers, and down. Modern goose keeping encompasses various scales, from small backyard flocks to large agricultural operations.

In terms of housing, geese require adequate space to roam and forage. They are semi-aquatic, so access to water for swimming and preening is highly beneficial, though not strictly essential for all breeds or production systems. A shelter or coop is needed to protect them from predators and adverse weather conditions. The enclosure should be secure and provide ventilation.

Diet for geese typically includes a balanced diet of grains, grasses, and legumes. They are efficient grazers and can supplement their diet significantly with pasture. Commercial feed formulations are also available to ensure complete nutrition, especially during specific growth or laying periods.

Breeding geese often involves a gander (male) for every few geese (females). They lay eggs seasonally, typically in spring. Incubation can be natural or artificial. Goslings are born with a downy covering and are quite independent soon after hatching, though they benefit from protection and supplementary feeding.

Gänsehaltung can be undertaken for various reasons. Meat production is common, with geese being a traditional holiday food in many cultures. Goose eggs are also edible and rich in nutrients. The valuable feathers and down are used for insulation in clothing and bedding. Geese are also sometimes kept as guard animals due to their territorial nature and loud alarm calls. Environmental factors such as land availability, climate, and market demand influence the scale and methods of goose keeping.