You might be surprised to learn that a goose eats many different kinds of food. This waterfowl has adapted to living in several habitats, so you can expect it has developed a wide range of diets to match its surroundings.
Furthermore, geese are opportunistic feeders, meaning they’ll eat anything they can find and catch. Therefore, there’s no one answer for what these fowls eat — they’re very adaptable.
Fortunately for you, this article will give you some specific information about goose diets. You’ll learn about these birds’ favorite foods, what to avoid when feeding them, and many more. Let’s get started!
What Do Geese Eat?
Geese are primarily vegetarians but not exclusively so. In addition to leaves, seeds, grasses, weeds, roots, nuts, and grains, they also eat insects, fish, worms, fruits, mollusks, small mammals, and crustaceans.
The following is a detailed overview of the foods geese eat:
- Leaves: Geese consume aquatic and terrestrial leaves as part of their diet. Examples include pondweed, clover, and dandelion leaves, which provide essential nutrients and fiber.
- Grasses: Geese are avid grazers and eat grasses, including Kentucky bluegrass, timothy grass, and orchard grass.
- Fruits: During fruit-bearing seasons, geese indulge in a fruity feast. They savor berries, such as blueberries and cranberries, along with other sweet produce like apples and cherries.
- Roots: Geese often dig into the soil to extract the roots of plants like cattails and sedges. These root systems offer carbohydrates and minerals, especially valuable during colder months when other food sources may be scarce.
- Nuts: While not a primary food source, geese enjoy nuts when available. Acorns, hazelnuts, and chestnuts are among their favorites. These high-fat foods provide valuable energy reserves.
- Grains and seeds: Geese have a preference for grains and seeds, readily foraging on cultivated crops such as wheat, barley, and corn.
- Insects: Despite being predominantly herbivorous, geese sometimes turn to insects for extra protein. During the breeding season, they may target bugs like grasshoppers and beetles to meet their nutritional needs.
- Weeds: Geese have a particular fondness for weeds, especially aquatic ones. These comprise plants like duckweed, pondweed, and watermilfoil.
- Vegetables: Agricultural fields and gardens offer a variety of vegetables that geese find irresistible. Specifically, crops like lettuce, potatoes, and peas are often consumed when they’re within reach.
- Crustaceans: Geese feed on small crustaceans such as freshwater shrimp and crayfish in aquatic habitats.
- Mollusks: Occasionally, geese include mollusks like snails and clams in their diet. These aquatic delicacies provide protein, calcium, and iron, among other nutrients.
- Small fish: Near water bodies, geese may catch and consume small fish like minnows and guppies. This behavior is more common in certain goose species that prefer aquatic habitats.
- Tiny rodents: When available, geese will also eat little rodents such as mice and rats.
Based on the list above, it is clear that geese are versatile eaters, and their mixed diet reflects this. They can live on land or in water and find food wherever possible.
7 Things You Need to Know When Feeding Geese
Feeding geese can be a rewarding experience, but it’s necessary to do so responsibly. Here are seven things to consider when providing meals to these feathered grazers:
- Seasonal changes: The dietary needs of geese change with the seasons. In spring and summer, they primarily feed on fresh grasses and plants. During fall and winter, they rely more on grains and seeds. Thus, adjust your offerings accordingly to support their nutritional requirements.
- Feeding behavior: Geese are opportunistic feeders and will consume anything offered to them. Hence, it is important not to give them anything harmful.
- Wildlife regulations: Familiarize yourself with local wildlife regulations regarding feeding geese. Some areas may have restrictions or guidelines in place to protect the birds from harmful interactions with humans.
- Social feeding: Geese are social birds and often forage together in groups. So, feeding them in areas where they congregate, such as parks or lakeshores, can create a positive communal experience.
- Nesting season: During the nesting season, it’s best to minimize disturbance near nesting sites. Feeding geese near their roosts can attract predators and stress the parents.
- Hygiene and safety: Practice good hygiene when feeding geese. In particular, wash your hands afterward to avoid disease transmission. Also, do not hand-feed wild geese, as this can result in injury or bites.
- Migratory patterns: Be aware of the migration patterns of geese. Feeding them too close to their migration time can disrupt their instincts to fly south for the winter.
These are just a few pointers for how to feed geese peacefully. On the whole, it’s best to be respectful and responsible when interacting with any animal.
Do Geese Have a Favorite Food?
Geese, regardless of their type, primarily consume plant matter, with a preference for clovers, bluegrass, orchard grass, timothy, and bromegrass over tougher varieties like alfalfa.
Additionally, in my years of observing geese, their broad diet has intrigued me. I recall a day when I offered my friend’s backyard flock a mix of fruits and vegetables.
Their enthusiasm for sliced carrots, apples, lettuce greens, and grapes left no doubt that these fowls don’t have a single favorite food.
Furthermore, it is worth noting that the food preferences of geese may change seasonally or geographically.
As a bonus, this video shows a gaggle of Canadian geese happily eating acorns in the park:
30 Foods That Geese Like to Eat
Generally speaking, geese have a varied diet, as they enjoy a range of natural and supplemental food types. For your reference, the following is a list of 30 foods that these waterfowls like to eat:
- Barley
- Lettuce
- Sorghum
- Duckweed
- Corn
- Grasshoppers
- Snails
- Bluegrass
- Crayfish
- Cucumbers
- Cattails
- Mice
- Sunflower seeds
- Green peas
- Alfalfa
- Kale
- Bananas
- Cantaloupe
- Apples
- Broccoli
- Algae
- Cherries
- Berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, strawberries)
- Potatoes
- Acorns
- Insects
- Mealworms
- Birdseed mixtures
- Duck or goose pellets
- Grain cereals
Although geese may seem like picky eaters, they are actually quite versatile in their dietary habits. They can eat almost anything from grasses and grains to insects and fruits.
Foods to Avoid When Feeding Geese
Without a doubt, feeding geese and other waterfowl species can be an enjoyable pastime. However, it is essential to avoid harmful foods.
First, steer clear of human foods like bread, crackers, popcorn, candies, and chocolates. They are unhealthy for the birds and can lead to problems such as obesity and diabetes mellitus.
Second, not all veggies and fruits are safe for them to consume. Avoid avocadoes, onions, green tomatoes, mango peels, and spinach. These items may cause digestive issues when consumed in large quantities.
Finally, never offer moldy or rotten foods, as they contain mycotoxins that can be life-threatening to these aquatic fowls. The last thing you want is your flock dying from food poisoning.
Tips on Feeding Geese
Of course, feeding a goose is not as simple as it sounds. There are a few things you should know before you start throwing some food into the pond.
Below are some tips on how to feed geese:
- Choose appropriate food: Provide geese with suitable foods like cracked corn, grains, waterfowl pellets, or birdseed. Avoid feeding them bread, junk food, or anything that might harm their health.
- Keep a safe distance: Maintain a respectful distance when feeding geese, especially when they are in groups. Remember that approaching too closely can stress them or provoke defensive behavior.
- Scatter food: Scatter the food on the ground rather than tossing it directly at the geese you are feeding. This mimics their natural eating behavior and reduces the risk of injury.
- Feed in moderation: Provide enough food for the geese to enjoy, but avoid overfeeding them. Doing so can cause them to become overweight, which can then lead to other health problems.
- Select a safe feeding environment: Choose appropriate locations for goose feeding, such as parks, lakefronts, or designated areas. Avoid feeding geese in busy traffic zones or places where they might encounter danger.
- Do not chase or harass: Never chase or harass geese while feeding them. It can cause unnecessary stress and harm to the birds. Just remain calm and let them come to you.
- Avoid littering: Make sure to dispose of trash and food scraps properly. Note that a clean feeding area benefits geese and helps maintain a healthy environment for everyone.
With the help of the tips above, you can now start feeding geese with confidence. Still, make sure to do your research beforehand and avoid doing anything that could endanger their well-being.
Fun Fact: Geese do not have real teeth; they have cartilages called tomia present in their beaks and tongues that they use for gripping, chewing, and grinding food.
How Do Geese Find Food?
Geese employ various strategies to find food. On land, for instance, they graze on grasses and plants, which shows their herbivorous nature.
When on water, on the other hand, these birds sometimes dive to access aquatic vegetation. However, given that they are opportunistic feeders, they prefer to wait until such vegetation is available at the surface level.
Meanwhile, in urban areas without natural feeding grounds, geese can be seen feasting on leftover foods they find in garbage cans or parks.
What Do Geese Eat in the Winter?
Geese migrate to the southern parts of the United States when winter approaches. As they relocate, their dietary habits shift to accommodate the available resources.
In these regions, geese are known to favor roots, berries, grains, sorghum, cracked corn, and barley. They also eat insects and earthworms, both of which are typically found in warmer climates.
What Do Baby Geese Eat?
Baby geese, also known as goslings, mainly eat grass at first. As weeks pass, their diet expands to match that of their parents. They then indulge in grains, roots, bulbs, seeds, and berries.
Are Geese Omnivores?
Geese are naturally omnivorous but thrive without consuming meat. Their primary diet focuses on grasses, weeds, vegetables, roots, grains, and fruits.
Thus, while they may occasionally eat insects, mice, or small aquatic creatures, plant-based foods remain their primary source of nutrition.
Is It Illegal to Feed Geese?
Feeding geese might seem helpful, but it often harms them. They can quickly grow dependent on handouts. For this reason, wildlife services advise against it.
Moreover, one should note that feeding geese and other waterfowl species can promote the spread of diseases.
For those with further questions about what geese eat or if you have any experiences to share in feeding geese, please feel free to comment below!
