Why do we have resident Canada geese?
Resident geese numbers have risen because of differing factors,
the first being their protection under federal law. Action by
environmentalists has successfully restored the population of
these beautiful birds, so much so that New York now has a large
population of resident geese along with the migratory flocks.
What methods can be used to alleviate our goose problem?
There are several other ways to deal with geese but they are not
as effective as Border Collies. We sometimes recommend using
some of these techniques in conjunction with our services.
Scare devices such as flags, mylar tape and balloons do not work
alone, as the geese quickly learn that they cause no harm. The
Border Collies on the other hand, are viewed as predators.
Noisemakers and pop guns can be helpful if not overused, again in
conjunction with dogs. Turf chemicals need to be reapplied after
rain or watering and can be very costly in larger areas.
How much does your service cost?
Pricing varies on an individual site basis taking into account the
complexity of the property layout (location, accessibility, size),
the amount of water available (number and size of lakes, ponds,
streams, etc.) and the number of resident geese.
How long does it take?
This highly depends on the site. Typically, it takes 2-4 weeks to
assess the problem and change the feeding and flight habits of the
geese. Then it becomes a matter of maintenance.
Where do the geese go?
The geese will go wherever they wish, typically to an area where
they will not be not be harassed. There are plenty of "wild"
places in our area where the geese are accepted.
What about nests?
It is against the law to harass a nesting goose or to tamper with
its’ nest or eggs. To do so requires a special permit from the US
Department of Fish and Wildlife Service. We will work on your
behalf to apply for and obtain this permit which will allow us to
perform the egg depredation program.
Why are there goslings here, even though we did egg addling?
Geese and their young will travel an incredible distance, up to 25
miles, to raise their brood in what they consider a safe lake or
pond.
What happens to the goslings?
Since the goslings are unable to fly, we are only able to herd them
to an appropriate area you designate as "Goose Friendly" on your
property. Once the goslings can fly and the adults have finished
their molt, we can resume a more rigorous schedule of harassment
until all the geese leave your site.
Why Border Collies and not other breeds?
Border Collies have a herding instinct and are quite content with
the chase. Other breeds have kill or retrieve instincts and are
not satisfied until they capture and return their prey, leading to
frustration and loss of desire. The geese perceive the Border
Collie as a natural predator, seeing them as a coyote or fox
because of their intense "eye." Other breeds are not perceived
as predatory.
How long does it take to train a Border Collie to work geese?
It takes one to two years to properly train a Border Collie to
work geese. These dogs are specifically trained to herd, they do
not to touch or harm the geese.
How do animal rights activists view this service?
There are several animal rights activist groups that condone the
use of Border Collies as the only humane way to deal with the
Canada Geese problem. The USDA Wildlife Service, US Fish and
Wildlife, the Humane Society and PETA are some of the
organizations that recommend this technique.
Take Flight Goose Management, LLC
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