The Canada Goose is a wild North American species, not a domestic breed, and that decides everything about keeping one. It is a protected migratory bird under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, so taking, holding or selling live Canada Geese, their eggs or goslings in the United States requires a federal permit — a waterfowl hatchery listing this bird is breeding it under that licence. They lay a single small clutch a year, fly strongly unless pinioned, and are fiercely territorial around the nest. For a goose that behaves like a farm bird, a domestic breed is the practical choice.
Cold hardy
Heat tolerant
Broody
Flighty
Egg colorWhite
Egg production5–10 / year
TemperamentFlighty
BroodinessFrequent
ClimateCold hardy, Heat tolerant
PurposeOrnamental
Weight
Weight7-14 lb
How to spot it
Head
Black head and neck with a white chinstrap running up the cheeks
Plumage
Brown-grey back and wings, pale breast, white under the tail
Legs & feet
Black, as is the bill
Look for
The white chinstrap on a black neck — no domestic breed carries it
Varieties
DuskyMiniature
Find Canada breeders near you
No breeders currently list this breed — post a wanted ad or check back soon.
