GEESE AS LAWNMOWERS ????

evosheas · **Joined:** Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:42 am **Posts:** 7

Hi all, and thanks in advance for any replies. I have a quater acre in the suburbs of Newcastle which is all grass. Rather than using a traditional lawn mower to keep the thing under control i was hoping to use something a little more animate. Goats and sheep seem to be a little big too big and possibly more hassle. Someone suggested geese and i wonder whether anyone out there might be able to comment on their ability to keep grass trim. Also how many for such an area, and male to female ratio. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks all. Great site.

Honks · **Joined:** Fri Jun 22, 2007 8:08 pm **Posts:** 47

Hi

Geese will/do graze but the do require some supplement feeding at night, i like to give a handful of wheat.

They do need grass, not so much weeds -but good lawn they will hapily eat. Pasbalem (spelling) is not high on their list of favourites.

If it is goood pasture i would get 6 for your space, and try to keep them in pairs - one gander/one goose this always works better when it comes to breeding.

If you can get young ones and hand raise them, they make much nicer pets.

Geese rarely eat grass once it os over 10cm, so a lawn mower trim will most likely be required every so often.

Regards

Honk

evosheas · **Joined:** Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:42 am **Posts:** 7

Thanks Honk, you say keep them in pairs, does this mean that all 6 or 3 pairs can still run together?? There is a lot of Buffalo grass in the lawn. Not much paspalum. What about specific breeds, any advice there? Bear in mind i am in suburbia the least noisy and most kid friendly (if such a breed exists) would be best.

Honks · **Joined:** Fri Jun 22, 2007 8:08 pm **Posts:** 47

All breeds are very freindly if hand raised.

In regards to breeds have a look at my site - you should be able to find most of them close to you.

www.tribeofhonk."Blacklisted Website"

regards

honk

Stt · **Joined:** Sun Aug 19, 2007 7:01 pm **Posts:** 3006

hi all mucoveys are good lawn mowers

evosheas · **Joined:** Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:42 am **Posts:** 7

Muscoys as lawn mowers? 1st time i heard that ! I have 3 indian runners as well, but they don't seem to have any impact on the grass. I am hoping that geese will have a significant impact on the lawn. Am thinking of two pairs for an area of at least 450square metres.

By the way Honk, nice site, very informative. Am thinking about toulouse.

Honks · **Joined:** Fri Jun 22, 2007 8:08 pm **Posts:** 47

mussies do eat more grass than regular ducks - but mostly just flatteen it in their quest for grubs.

Thanks for the feedback on the site. Toulouse can have quiet a loud honk when they want to, or well one strain on mine has a loud honk - the other hardly uttters a word.

Regards

Honk

evosheas · **Joined:** Mon Nov 26, 2007 8:42 am **Posts:** 7

Thanks all, does anyone out there know of any geese breeders close to Newcastle?

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