Our Geese

Geese have become one of the defining parts of JK Homegrown. What started as a simple addition to the farm, that Jake swore would never happen, grew into my introduction to livestock conservation and changed the direction of the farm entirely. Today, our geese include focused conservation programs, useful farm birds, and a few individuals who have simply earned a permanent place here.

Pomeranian

Critical Status per The Livestock Conservancy

Pomeranian geese are what started my journey into livestock conservation and ultimately changed the direction of JK Homegrown. What began as an interest in the breed became a long-term commitment to helping maintain a healthy, genetically useful population.

My goal over the next five years is to grow the flock large enough to qualify as a primary breeding flock while maintaining genetic diversity and continuing to improve type and patterning. I want the birds I produce to remain functional farm geese while also moving closer to what the breed is supposed to be.

Cotton Patch

Threatened Status per The Livestock Conservancy

Cotton Patch geese were one of the breeds that pushed me to look more seriously at livestock conservation after I brought home my first Pomeranians. I maintain a smaller flock as part of JK Homegrown’s conservation work and as a genetic seed bank supporting a friend’s larger breeding program.

They may never be one of my largest flocks, but that does not make the program insignificant. Maintaining even a small group of genetically useful birds gives those genetics another place to exist and another opportunity to contribute to the breed’s future.

The Pets & Egg Flock

Hatchery Quality African geese, Mixes, & Breeding Culls. Beloved all the same

Not every goose at JK Homegrown is a part of a conservation program or breeding plan. Some are here simply because they are loved, have earned a permanent place on the farm, or no longer fit into the direction of a breeding program and still have plenty of value as individual seasonal layers.

The Pet/Egg Flock gives those birds a place to stay without needing to justify themselves through breeding. They still get to be geese, graze the farm, boss everyone around, and contribute plenty of personality to JK Homegrown. Sometimes an animal’s purpose is simply that this is home.

Goober, one of my first geese.

Living With Geese

The Vibes of the Goose Goos

Geese are full of personality and character. They are opinionated, social, nosy, and very aware of what is happening around them.

They love to play in the water and the mud. If you leave the hose on, the geese take full advantage by digging a mud hole to play in.

They love food and snacks. The geese are always the first to honk in delight when it’s feeding time. They charge across the pasture and immediately look for the bucket. 

But aren't they mean??

Nope! Minus Goober, my geese have all been pretty chill. Sure they honk at me and judge me when I’m completing farm chores, but I don’t get chased or bit.

Now, kids sometimes trigger that instinct in geese, but most of the time they run because they’re already afraid, and the geese decide that means it’s time to give chase.

Oh and delivery men, I have never seen a man more afraid than when 30ish geese come honking around the corner wanting to know who dares enter their farm.

So what are they good for?

Geese were all-around farm birds long before they became lawn ornaments. They are excellent grazers that turn grass and weeds into food while helping maintain areas of the farm.

They are also natural watch-birds. If something unfamiliar shows up, the geese usually notice it and make sure everyone else notices too, which helps the LGDs do their jobs.

Geese can provide meat, seasonal eggs, feathers, and goslings. Many are also excellent parents. They may not lay like chickens, but what they lack in egg production they make up for in utility, personality, and their ability to make very good use of pasture.