The Specifications for a Goose Fence

A Basic Low Fence

The primary means of keeping your own geese from roaming is scattering feed for them every evening. In addition, you can use a basic fence to avoid undue wandering during the days. Build the fence 24 to 36 inches tall. Because domestic geese seldom fly, the low fencing will be plenty. For an inexpensive, simple and temporary solution, poultry netting strung between stakes will be sufficiently sturdy to corral most geese. If you plan to keep geese for many years, you certainly can provide a more weather-proof fence made of wood, wire or other material. If foxes tend to roam nearby, you can use electrified fencing to keep them from entering. Generally, geese will defend themselves readily from lesser predators, such as local dogs and cats.

Fencing Out Wild Geese

If wild geese, such as the migratory Canada goose, regularly disturb your lawn or plantings, you can keep them from entering your property with a couple of different fence designs. An electrified fence effectively will keep out Canada geese as soon as they discover the slight shock it delivers. Because wild geese problems only arise for a short period each year, in most locations, you can opt for portable electrified fencing that's easy to assemble and take down. The electrified fence should have a 120-volt or battery-operated energizer. You can use a "low impedance energizer," which delivers short bursts of power, 4000 volts to be precise, every second. Such energizers are completely safe to fowl, delivering discomfort but no injury. The fencing generally uses 1/2 inch polytape, made of polyethylene embedded with wires, to carry the charge. Set up two strands of tape, one at a height of 8 inches and the other at 18 inches. Generally the grounding rods are 6 feet tall; set them at approximate 12 foot intervals. If you live near a body of water, simply set a 1- to 2-foot, nonelectrified fence around its perimeter. This will dissuade Canada geese from visiting the area.

Fencing for Goslings

While your goslings are still young, but beginning to stay outdoors, you'll need to give them slightly better protection from any local predators, including dogs. As for full-grown geese, a fence of no more than 36 inches high will be sufficient. Set up the pen or run in an area you need weeded. A strawberry patch makes an excellent space for goslings; just remove them before the fruit begins to ripen. At night, always bring the goslings indoors.