Geese are fascinating creatures with diverse diets. They eat mostly aquatic plants in the wild, including roots, stems, leaves, and seeds. They will eat small insects, worms, crustaceans, and fish as well.
However, rodents are not off-limits for geese. Although adults do not actively hunt mice and rats, they will eat them if they come across them. Geese are omnivores and will eat small animals such as mice or other meat if they are available.
This opportunistic feeding behavior helps keep rodent populations in check, benefiting humans and other animals with the same habitat.
Key Points
- Geese are mostly herbivores that eat plants but will also eat small animals like rodents if they come across them.
- Adult geese don’t actively hunt mice and rats, but they will eat them if given the opportunity.
- Generally speaking, it is safe for geese to eat mice and rats. However, there is always a risk of disease when consuming wild rodents.
- Unlike ducks, geese don’t actively hunt mice.
- Using geese to get rid of mice and rats is ineffective as these birds only scare away some rodents instead of entirely removing them.
- Baby geese do not typically eat mice or rats – their diet consists mostly of different foods such as fruits, berries, vegetables and other plants.
- To protect your flock from rodents — seal any cracks or holes in the structure, remove food sources, keep the area clean and use natural repellents like peppermint oil or cayenne pepper.
Do Canadian geese eat mice?
Canadian geese are herbivores that feed primarily on grasses and other vegetation. However, these waterfowl are opportunistic eaters and will take advantage of other foods, such as small mammals, such as mice.
Canada geese and other species of geese aren’t exactly predators, even though they are known to eat smaller animals such as insects, slugs and aquatic invertebrates. They kill mice but don’t go out of their way to search for rodents.
These wild geese have been known to eat almost anything, including mice. Small mice are simply a bonus when they come across them while looking for food.
Is eating mice safe for geese?
It is not uncommon to see geese eating small rodents such as mice. After all, most geese have a varied diet of both plant and animal matter.
Generally, eating mice is safe for geese. However, there is a chance that the rodents are infected. The goose’s strong immune system will protect them from illness in most cases, but if they eat a diseased mouse, it may become ill as well.
Rats and mice are known to carry diseases with them wherever they go, so it is extremely important to keep an eye on geese for signs of illness and remove any dead or diseased rodents from their environment.
| Nutrient | Benefit for Geese |
|---|---|
| Protein | Supports growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues |
| Fat | Provides energy and helps support a healthy immune system |
| Iron | Supports healthy red blood cells and helps carry oxygen throughout the body |
| Vitamin B12 | Supports healthy nerve function and helps produce red blood cells |
| Zinc | Supports a healthy immune system and helps with wound healing |
It’s important to note that while mice can provide some valuable nutrients for geese, they should only be offered in limited amounts and as part of a balanced diet that also includes grains, greens, and insects. Overfeeding mice or any other meat can lead to health problems and imbalances in their diet. As with any treat, it’s best to consult with a veterinarian or animal nutritionist to determine the best diet for your geese.
Can you use geese to get rid of mice?
Many people believe that using geese to get rid of mice is an effective method.
Unfortunately, this is not the case.
While geese can scare away some rodents, they are not nearly as effective as other tried-and-true pest control methods like trapping or baiting.
Furthermore, some local regulations prohibit waterfowl use, such as geese, for pest control. As a result, it is best to use traditional methods to get rid of mice and rats.
Do baby geese eat mice?
Contrary to popular belief, baby geese do not eat mice. While it is true that adult geese are capable of preying on small rodents, young geese are too small to take down such prey. Instead, they primarily eat insects and other small invertebrates.
As they grow older and larger, they will begin to include small mammals and reptiles in their diet. However, even as adults, most species of geese prefer to hunt when hungry and do not actively seek out rodents as prey.
How to keep mice away from your goose coop
Mice can be a real problem near coops. They not only steal food but can also spread disease and cause property damage. Fortunately, you can keep these furry pests at bay with a few simple steps.
Sealing cracks or holes in the coop is one of the most effective methods to prevent them from entering. You should remove any food and water sources, as these attract rodents to the pen.
It also helps to keep the coop clean and clear of debris, as mice and rats are drawn to cluttered areas. Finally, you can use natural repellents like peppermint oil or cayenne pepper to keep them out of the coop.
A complex shed is not required for housing geese. But ensuring that no mice and other common predators such as snakes, foxes and wild dogs have access to your geese, goslings, goose eggs, chickens and poultry is important so that your feathered friends can live long.
