Quick Answer
Canadian geese cannot legally be kept as pets in most areas. They are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act which makes it illegal to own or keep them in captivity without proper permits. However, some people do keep them illegally. Keeping wild Canadian geese as pets has many challenges and is generally not recommended.
Overview
Canadian geese (Branta canadensis) are wild birds native to North America. They are known for their distinctive black heads and necks with white cheeks, their large size, and their honking call. While some people may be interested in keeping them as pets, there are several important factors to consider:
Legality
Canadian geese are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act in the United States and Canada which prohibits capturing, killing, or keeping them as pets without proper permits. Permits are only granted in special circumstances for educational or scientific purposes.
Captive Care Difficulties
Canadian geese have complex needs that make them challenging pets. They are prone to malnutrition, stress, and disease in captivity. They require a lot of space and access to water for swimming. Their specialized diet of grasses and vegetation is difficult to replicate.
Wild Nature
Canadian geese are naturally wary and prone to stress when kept confined. They may become aggressive and territorial, especially during breeding season. As wild birds, they do not become tame or affectionate pets. Their communicate through loud honking which may disturb neighbors.
Adult Geese vs Goslings
While young goslings may be tempted to imprint on people and seem tame at first, they grow rapidly into adult birds that are difficult to manage and lose their tameness. Removing goslings from the wild also has ecological impacts.
Legality of Keeping Canadian Geese
In both Canada and the United States, Canadian geese are protected under federal laws that make it illegal to keep them as pets without authorization:
Migratory Bird Treaty Act
This act covers all native bird species in North America. It prohibits the capture, possession, sale, purchase, barter, transport, import and export of protected birds except under permit for scientific, educational or propagation purposes. Fines for violating the law can be up to $15,000 and six months imprisonment.
Permits
The only way to legally keep a Canadian goose is to obtain permits from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and/or Canadian Wildlife Service. Permits are only granted totrained professionals such as wildlife rehabilitators, researchers, educators, zoos and waterfowl propagators. Even these groups cannot keep them indefinitely as pets.
State and Provincial Laws
In addition to federal laws, some states and Canadian provinces have additional provincial regulations regarding keeping, harming or capturing migratory birds that may apply. Always check provincial, state and local laws before attempting to keep Canadian geese.
Challenges of Keeping Canadian Geese as Pets
While it may seem appealing to keep a Canadian goose as a unique pet, there are many challenges involved that make them difficult to manage in captivity:
Specialized Diet
Canadian geese require a specialized diet consisting mostly of grasses and aquatic plants. Replicating this diet in captivity can be difficult and expensive. They may develop nutrient deficiencies if not fed properly.
Space Requirements
These large birds require a lot of space, ideally with access to a pond or swimming water source. Their minimum enclosure size recommendations are at least 200 square feet. Most backyard ponds or urban areas do not provide enough space.
Social Needs
Canadian geese are highly social flock animals. They become stressed if kept alone and may show signs of aggression without proper social bonding. Their loud honking to communicate may also create noise complaints.
Wild Nature
Even if hand-raised, these birds maintain many of their wild instincts. They often never become fully tame or affectionate with owners. Their wild nature makes them prone to stress and nervousness when confined.
Permit Requirements
Acquiring and maintaining the necessary permits to legally keep Canadian geese as pets requires specialized education, facilities and training to prove ability to properly care for the birds.
Caring for Pet Canadian Geese
In the rare case where someone is authorized to keep a Canadian goose as a pet, specialized care and housing considerations are required:
Permits and Veterinary Care
– Obtain state and federal permits to keep protected migratory birds.
– Have an avian veterinarian provide regular care and health clearances.
Diet and Nutrition
– Offer a diet of poultry feed, grains, grasses, aquatic plants and chopped greens.
– Provide clean, fresh water at all times.
Housing Setup
– Outdoor pond or water source for swimming.
– Shelter, nest boxes, perches and hiding spots.
– Sufficient space – recommend minimum 0.25 acre area.
– Partial fencing underground to prevent burrowing out.
Social and Behavioral Needs
– House in at least pairs, if not small flocks.
– Provide enrichment toys and activities.
– Supervise interactions with children or pets – may show aggression.
– Be prepared for territorial behavior during breeding season.
Gosling (Baby Goose) Care
– From day one, offer finely chopped greens, grass, starter poultry feed.
– Supply brooding heat until fully feathered.
– Hand-raise for any chance of tameness.
– Prepare for rapid growth into adults within 3-4 months.
Risks of Keeping Wild Canadian Geese
Capturing and keeping Canadian geese carries a number of legal and practical risks:
Federal Prosecution
Capturing, harming or keeping protected migratory birds violates the MBTA with penalties over $15,000 in fines and prison time. This applies even to injured birds.
Health Risks
Canadian geese may harbor bacteria like Salmonella and E. coli as well as parasites dangerous to humans and pets. Their powerful beaks can cause injury.
Neighbor Disturbances
Canadian geese are loud birds. Their constant defensive hissing and honking may disturb neighbors, especially during breeding season.
Ecological Damage
Removing goslings from the wild reduces future breeding stock. Habituation due to feeding by humans also causes overpopulation issues.
Difficult Re-homing
If you can no longer care for pet geese, they cannot simply be released into the wild. Their defensive nature makes re-homing with zoos or sanctuaries challenging as well.
Alternative Pets to Canadian Geese
For those seeking a unique waterfowl pet, several more suitable options exist that are not federally protected:
Domestic Goose Breeds
Many domestic goose breeds are legal to keep without permits, such as Chinese, African, Emden, Sebastopol, Pilgrim, and Pomeranian.
Domestic Duck Breeds
Similar in nature but smaller than geese, various domestic duck breeds can be tamed and make good pets, like the Pekin, Welsh Harlequin, and Call Duck.
Other Exotic Fowl
Depending on local laws, other birds like swans, coots and exotic foreign species may be legal to keep without migratory bird permits. Always check regulations first.
Conclusion
Canadian geese are beautiful, iconic wild birds of North America that have strict legal protections for important conservation reasons. While some have an interest in keeping them as unique pets, their specialized care, housing, diet, social, behavior and legal requirements make them extremely challenging – and in most cases illegal – for the average person to maintain humanely. Their defensive wild nature means they do not tame down well or make affectionate pets. For those seeking a similar experience, domestic goose and duck breeds can make more suitable, legal alternatives. Ultimately, Canadian geese are wild animals that fare much better living freely in nature.
