What to Feed Sebastopol Geese

Grass first

Geese are the most efficient grazers in poultry. Given decent pasture through the growing season, grass will make up the bulk of what an adult eats and the supplementary ration is genuinely supplementary. This is one of the real economies of keeping geese over other birds.

Through winter, or on bare ground, that flips and the ration does the work. Adjust rather than feeding the same amount year round.

The feed mistakes

Medicated chick starter is the big one. The medication in chick starter is formulated for chickens and there is a long-standing concern about feeding it to waterfowl, who eat considerably more by weight. Use unmedicated waterfowl or all-flock feed.

Niacin is the second. Waterfowl need more of it than chickens, and a plain chicken crumble without supplementation is behind a good share of the leg and joint problems people report in goslings. Brewer's yeast is the usual supplement if a waterfowl-specific feed is not available.

Protein is the third. Too much, too fast, is associated with angel wing. Slower growth is better growth here.

Water is part of the diet

Geese need water deep enough to submerge the whole head, both to clear their nostrils and to swallow properly. A shallow chick founder does not do it. They also need water available whenever they are eating, because they wash food down rather than chewing.

Full housing and water detail is in the care guide. For goslings specifically, see raising Sebastopol geese.

Common Questions

What do Sebastopol geese eat?

Mostly grass through the growing season, supplemented with a waterfowl or all-flock ration. In winter or on bare ground the ration does more of the work.

Can Sebastopol geese eat chicken feed?

Not as a sole diet. Waterfowl need more niacin than chickens, and medicated chick starter should be avoided entirely. Use an unmedicated waterfowl or all-flock feed.