They feed by grazing on tender young plants, especially bluegrass, and may move several miles, if necessary, to find suitable browse. Goslings attain flight 8 to 10 weeks after hatching. Out of an average brood size of 5 goslings, about 3 will survive to flight stage. Adults molt their wing feathers and become flightless about 4 to 6 weeks after the goslings hatch. They regrow their flight feathers in 4 to 6 weeks, depending upon the quality and quantity of food available.
Adults remain together year-round and the goslings stay with the pair until the next spring.
If one mate dies, the remaining goose will find a new mate by the next nesting season. We recommend that goose nest structures be placed over water. Geese seem to prefer over-water sites and this enables them to more successfully defend their nests from predators such as raccoons, fox, and coyotes. When deciding which nest structure to use, select one that fits your budget, is aesthetically pleasing, is appropriate for your wetland, and can be easily maintained. Maintenance is the key to consistent, successful use.