Embden Geese for Sale – The Ultimate Guide to These Majestic Birds
Are you searching for embden geese for sale? You’ve landed in the perfect place! Embden geese are one of the most iconic and beloved domestic geese breeds—a beautiful, calm, and productive addition to any backyard or small-scale farm. Whether you’re a newcomer or an experienced keeper, this definitive guide has you covered.
🦢 1. What Are Embden Geese?
1.1 Breed Overview
Embden geese are distinguished by their pristine white plumage, striking orange beaks, and robust frames. Known for their large size and placid demeanor, they make excellent guardians, foragers, and show birds. Originally developed in Germany and later refined in England in the 19th century, Embdens now thrive worldwide.
1.2 Size & Appearance
- Weight: Gander (male) 14–32 lbs; Goose (female) 12–25 lbs
- Plumage: Pure snowy white, occasionally cream-toned
- Bill/Feet: Bright orange; pinkish in juveniles
- Body Shape: Deep chest, straight back, graceful carriage
1.3 Temperament
Embden geese are gentle giants—calm, curious, and social. They form strong bonds with their keepers and excel in free-range setups. Their vigilant nature also makes them excellent flock protectors.
2. Why Choose Embden Geese?
2.1 Excellent Meat Production
These geese have been selectively bred for quality meat—heavy, well-marbled, and flavorful. A mature Embden yields 10–12 lbs of premium poultry.
2.2 Superb Foraging Ability
They thrive on grass, weeds, and grains, which keeps feed costs low. Ideal for pasture-based systems, they even aid in garden management by controlling pests and weeds.
2.3 Valiant Protectors
Embden geese often alert at intruders—humans or animals—with loud honks. Their noise can serve as a deterrent to predators, adding an extra layer of security.
2.4 Aesthetic & Exhibition Quality
With their majestic presence, Embdens captivate in shows. Their consistent type and conformation score well in competitive shows, making them a favorite among poultry exhibitors.
3. Searching for Embden Geese for Sale
3.1 Hatcheries vs. Small Breeders
Reputable hatcheries offer day‑old goslings year-round. Small breeders may focus on quality, offering locally raised birds that are accustomed to your climate.
3.2 When Are They Available?
Geese naturally hatch in spring. Most breeders list embden geese for sale from March to May. However, hatcheries with incubators might offer them year-round; always check shipping schedules.
3.3 Buying Stages: Eggs, Goslings, or Mature Birds
- Fertile eggs: You can hatch them yourself, but incubators require skill and attention.
- Day-old goslings: Easier to raise, but handle them with care.
- Juveniles & adults: Great for immediate laying and flock integration, but cost more and need secure transport.
3.4 What to Look For
- Physical traits: Bright eyes, gleaming feathers, correct bill and foot color
- Behavior: Alert, active, no signs of lethargy or respiratory issues
- Pedigree: Breeders should specify breeding lines and hatch dates
- Health checks: Vaccination records (where applicable) and deworming history are a plus
4. Questions to Ask Sellers
To ensure a smooth purchase, ask these:
- Genetic background? Are Embdens purebred or mixed?
- Health protocols? Checked for parasites? Vaccinated?
- Feeding regime? How have they been raised?
- Shipping support? Are flight crates provided? What’s included?
- Flock conditions? How are they kept—overcrowded, free-range, indoors?
5. Preparing Your Farm or Homestead
5.1 Housing Requirements
- Clean, dry, predator-proof shelter
- Minimum 4–6 sq. ft. indoor space per goose
- A fenced run with solid footing
5.2 Water & Bedding
- Fresh drinking water daily—clean bowls only
- Strawberry feeders are preferred to prevent contamination
- Bedding choices: straw (absorbent but shows droppings), wood shavings (airier, dustier)
5.3 Fencing & Security
- Fencing: 3–4‑ft poultry wire to contain them
- Net the top if aerial predators are a concern
- Secure against foxes, raccoons, stray dogs
5.4 Nutrition Plan
- Starter feed for goslings: 16–18% protein
- Grower blend: 14–16% protein until 12 weeks
- Finisher or layer feed: 12–14% protein
- Supplement with pasture, cracked corn, greens
- Free‑choice grit to aid digestion
6. Raising Embden Goslings
6.1 Brooder Setup
- Heat source: 90°F first week, reduced by 5°F weekly
- Bedding: Clean and dry—change daily until they’re away from moisture
- Space: 1 sq. ft. per chick initially; up to 5 sq. ft. by week 4
6.2 Handling & Socialization
Gently handle daily to build trust. They’re social—keep at least two together to reduce stress.
6.3 Health Monitoring
- Watch for “pasty butt” (clogged vents) and clean with warm water
- Observe eating, drinking, activity, droppings
- Schedule follow‑up deworming at 4 and 8 weeks
7. Integrating Goslings into the Flock
At ~8 weeks, you can rotate them outdoors with shade and supervision. Full integration by 12 weeks works well since Embdens mature slowly (6–7 months to maximum size).
8. Benefits of Embden Geese
8.1 Egg Production
Each goose lays 20–40 large white eggs per season—great for hatchables or eating.
8.2 Lifespan & Health
They live 15–20 years. Once past early brooding, they’re hardy, especially with pasture, clean water, and predator-proofing.
8.3 Ecological Impact
Natural weeders and insect controllers—ideal for pasture-based farming or home gardening. Their droppings enrich soil via compost.
8.4 Profitable Ventures
- Goose meat from farmer’s markets or CSA
- Breeding stock, exhibition birds, or fertile eggs
- Goose eggs for specialty food bakers
9. Common Myths Debunked
“Geese are too noisy for suburban areas”
Embden geese are naturally quieter. Limit honking by keeping only a pair, not small flocks.
“They scratch gardens like chickens”
They graze rather than scratch deeply, so they’re gentler on lawns and gardens.
“Geese must have big pools”
While they love water, they’re happy with kiddie pools and puddles. Unlimited swimming isn’t necessary.
10. Pricing & Costs
10.1 Ballpark Purchase Prices
- Day-old gosling: $8–15
- Juvenile: $25–40
- Adult breeding pair: $100–150
Prices vary by breeder, location, and birds’ quality.
10.2 Ongoing Expenses
- Feed: $10–15/month per bird
- Bedding/cleaning: Nominal—refilled every few weeks
- Veterinary care: Rare if kept clean and healthy
11. Shipping & Receiving
11.1 Transit Best Practices
Purchase during cool months. Breeders typically ship via USPS or courier with insulated boxes and shavings.
11.2 Delivery Check
- Open crates immediately
- Offer water ASAP—even electrolytes help
- Gradually introduce feed
- Contact breeder within 24 hours if any issue arises
12. Testimonials & Success Stories
“I added a pair of Embdens to my small homestead—they’re calm, foraging champs, and even keep my barn free of snakes!”
“Our backyard flock improved instantly—the Embdens stand guard and keep things peaceful.”
Include a few real quotes from buyers to build trust.
13. Maintaining Embden Geese Through Seasons
13.1 Summer
Full-time pasture access—more water and shade needed. Mud puddles help with cooling.
13.2 Winter
Provide dry bedding, shelter from wind, unfrozen water, and top-up feed.
13.3 Molting
Typically in late summer; avoid handling and let them rest indoors.
14. Breeding & Hatching Embden Geese
14.1 Egg Placement
Set 8–12 eggs per incubator—a wicker basket works well. Keep at 99.5°F, 55–60% humidity.
14.2 Candling
Check at day 7 and 14 for fertile eggs. Remove unfertilized or bad ones by day 10.
14.3 Hatching
Hatch at day 28–30. Let goslings emerge naturally and dry for 24 hours before transfer.
15. FAQs—embden geese for sale
| Q | A |
|---|---|
| Can I mix Embdens with other geese? | Yes—introduce slowly and provide separate early housing. |
| Are they prone to health problems? | Generally hardy when kept clean with fresh water and pasture. |
| Is a Pool necessary? | A kiddie pool or large bowl suffices. |
| What predators threaten them? | Coyotes, dogs, raccoons; use secure fencing and locked housing at night. |
16. Where to Find Embden Geese for Sale
- Ayla Backyard Poultry: Premium healthy stock, strong breeding lines, seasonal availability
- Local breeders/poultry swaps: Inspect birds and talk face-to-face
- Online hatcheries: Wider selection, useful if local supply is limited
17. Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Checklist
- Decide quantity and age (egg, gosling, adult)
- Prepare shelter, fencing, water, and feeding systems ahead of arrival
- Choose reputable breeder
- Arrange shipping during cooling weather
- Inspect and acclimate birds on delivery
- For goslings: brooder → outdoor transition → mature flock integration
- Monitor health, behavior, and growth; intervene early if needed
- Continue training, care, and enjoy your flock
18. Final Thoughts on Purchasing Embden Geese
To find the best embden geese for sale, rely on breeders who:
- Offer healthy stock and transparent lineage
- Ship responsibly or allow local pickup
- Provide guidance for newcomers
- Let you inspect birds or supply photos/videos
Embden geese bring beauty, calm, and value to any property. With their elegance, productivity, and longevity, they’re an ideal investment for both hobbyists and small-scale farmers.
What Next?
- Browse our current Embden stock [insert product link]
- Contact us with your location and ambitions, and we’ll suggest the right option
- We can supply goslings, juveniles, or breeding pairs—ready to ship, subject to availability
