Geese are large waterfowl birds that belong to the Anatidae family, which includes ducks, swans, and other waterbirds. While geese primarily graze on grasses and aquatic vegetation, they will also readily consume seeds and grains. Knowing what types of bird seed attract geese can help bird enthusiasts better cater to these birds.
There are a few key factors to consider when selecting bird seed for geese:
- High carbohydrate content – Geese enjoy bird seeds with lots of carbohydrates and energy to fuel their active lifestyles. Seeds like corn, wheat, milo, millet, and barley are excellent choices.
- Pellet or mix – Geese do well with pellet style bird feeds or seed mixes specifically formulated for waterfowl. These mixes contain a blend of grains, seeds, and vegetation fortified with vitamins and minerals.
- Protein content – While geese don’t require as much protein as other birds, they still need some protein from legumes, like peas, beans, lentils, and soybeans.
- Cracked or whole – Cracked and whole seeds, grains, and corn provide more nutritional benefits and appeal to geese over tiny seeds made for songbirds.
- Freshness – Geese have sensitive digestive systems, so the freshness of bird seed matters. Avoid moldy, wet, expired, or spoiled seeds.
With these criteria in mind, let’s take a closer look at some of the best options when it comes to bird seed for geese.
Types of Bird Seed for Geese
Here are the top varieties of bird seeds that appeal to geese:
Corn
Corn is an excellent source of carbohydrates and energy for geese. Cracked corn kernels are easy for geese to eat and digest. When feeding corn, look for fresh, high-quality grains free of mold and contamination. Opt for whole kernels instead of finely ground cornmeal, which geese may refuse.
Wheat
Wheat is another nutritious grain for geese. Cracked wheat provides good levels of protein and fiber. Make sure any wheat products are fresh without contaminants. Avoid wheat treated with fungicides, pesticides, or other chemicals.
Milo
Milo, also called sorghum, is a cereal grain that is a favorite snack of many goose flocks. The small round seeds are packed with nutrients like protein, fat, fiber, and minerals. Milo is also affordable and easy to source to feed geese.
Millet
The tiny, round millet seeds appeal to geese of all sizes. This ancient grain offers niacin, thiamin, fiber, and phosphorus. Look for hulled millet which is easier for geese to digest. Serve millet in moderation as part of a balanced mix.
Barley
Hulled barley provides geese with lots of fiber for digestion and helps them feel satiated. Scout for contaminant-free, high-quality barley grain to mix in with other seeds. Cracked barley gives geese something substantial to munch on.
Oats
Whole oats, often called groats, make a nutritious addition to goose feed. The healthy grains supply fiber, protein, iron, zinc, and magnesium. For best results, serve oats fresh and make sure they stay dry.
Rice
Geese will gobble up uncooked white or brown rice. The starchy grains give geese an energy boost. Look for rice marked for wild bird feed and avoid pre-seasoned and minute rice varieties.
Peas
Whole peas provide geese with plant-based proteins, healthy carbohydrates, and key vitamins. Green and yellow split peas are nutritious options. Avoid peas with any signs of mold, damage, or spoilage.
Lentils
These protein-packed legumes give geese strong muscles and bones. The crunchy texture also helps wear down goose beaks. Lentils supply amino acids, folate, iron, phosphorus for geese. Serve them dried, raw, and unseasoned.
Soybeans
Soybeans satisfy a goose’s craving for high-fat, protein-rich foods. Buy non-GMO soybean seeds specifically made for birds. They are more digestible than bean meal intended for cattle.
Cracked corn
Cracked corn is one of the most popular goose feeds. The coarsely crushed kernels provide lots of energy from carbohydrates. The large pieces are easy for geese to pick up and eat. Look for cracked corn without hazardous dust or debris.
Commercial Goose Feed Mixes
Instead of mixing your own goose feed, there are many commercial seed mixes specially formulated with geese in mind:
Poultry feed
Feeds made for chickens, turkeys, and other domestic fowl make a decent goose diet. Opt for a premium pellet formula with at least 16% protein content. Avoid mediocre feed filled with fillers.
Waterfowl feed
For balanced nutrition, choose a mix marketed for ducks, geese, and swans. These tailored blends have the right proteins, fats, carbs, and nutrients for waterbirds. Buy from a reputable brand and source fresh batches.
Game bird feed
Game bird feed delivers energy and nourishment for wild geese. The mix attracts migrating flocks stopping to refuel. It contains a tasty combination of grains, seeds, corn, wheat, milo, etc.
Floating pellets
Floating pellet goose chow allows easy eating on both land and water. The hard pellets contain complete nutrition and slowly release energy. Brands like Mazuri and Purina offer high-quality floating formulas.
Organic feed
For geese with sensitive digestive systems, organic goose feed is the way to go. The certified organic formula avoids GMOs, chemicals, artificial additives, animal byproducts, or preservatives.
Produce scraps
In addition to bird seed, domesticated geese enjoy produce scraps like lettuce, kale, berries, melons, squash, peas, sprouts, tomatoes, grapes, zucchini, and more. Chop produce into bite-sized pieces. Avoid avocado, chocolate, and rhubarb.
Feeding Practices for Geese
Follow these tips to feed geese properly:
- Feed geese at least twice daily, in the morning and evening.
- Provide enough troughs and spread to prevent aggressive behavior over food.
- Allow 2 feet of feeder space per goose to prevent crowding.
- Give geese 1/2 pound of feed daily per pound of body weight.
- Supply grit like oyster shells to help geese digest seeds.
- Remove moist, soiled, or stale feed daily.
- Store feed in galvanized metal or plastic bins out of sunlight and moisture.
- Rotate feed every two weeks to ensure freshness.
- Keep feed and water stations clean to avoid illness.
- Monitor geese closely during feeding to guard against choking hazards.
With patience, you can teach geese to follow simple commands like “come here” using food rewards. Never overfeed geese, as obesity can negatively impact their health. Avoid sudden changes in feed to prevent upset stomachs.
Common Health Issues with Bird Seed
While bird seed provides vital nutrition for geese, improper feeding can cause health problems:
- Angel wing – Excess protein, especially from rich feeds like cat or dog food. Causes flight feathers to twist outwards and prevent flight.
- Botulism – Spoiled, moldy feed. Causes paralysis and can be fatal.
- Cysts – Hard lumps on feet from corn kernels with sharp hulls.
- Fatty liver – Overweight birds from overfeeding. Leads to liver damage.
- Impacted crop – Dry, hard pellets or other bird feed gets stuck in crop.
- Pesticides – Chemical residues on seeds and grains can poison birds.
- Nutritional deficiencies – Diets lacking proper vitamins and minerals.
Monitor goose health closely when offering bird seed and remove any feed causing issues. Consult an avian veterinarian at the first sign of sickness in geese.
Conclusion
Geese will eagerly devour bird seeds and grain that offer plenty of carbohydrates for energy along with balanced proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Stick to fresh, high-quality seeds free of dust, hazards, and toxins. Focus on nutrient-dense, goose-friendly options like corn, wheat, milo, barley, rice, and oats. Commercial waterfowl mixes provide a more complete diet. Supplement with leafy greens, sprouts, and veggie scraps. Follow best practices for storing and serving bird seed to keep geese healthy. With the proper diet, bird seed can help geese thrive and build up reserves for migration.
