Geese are known for their territorial nature and can indeed provide an added layer of protection for your flock of chickens. While they may not be able to single-handedly fight off larger predators like raccoons, they can be effective against smaller predators such as skunks, weasels, and other rodents.
Geese have a strong instinct to guard their territory and can be quite territorial over their flock of chickens. They are highly alert and will quickly sound the alarm if they sense any potential danger. This can be beneficial in deterring smaller predators as their loud honking and aggressive behavior can intimidate and scare off these animals.
In my personal experience, I have witnessed geese successfully defending their flock against smaller predators. I had a friend who kept geese and chickens together, and the geese proved to be excellent protectors. On several occasions, they chased away skunks and weasels that tried to approach the chicken coop. Their aggressive nature and loud honking alerted the chickens and helped keep them safe.
However, it is important to note that geese may not be able to effectively defend against larger predators such as raccoons. Raccoons are intelligent and crafty creatures that can easily outsmart geese. They are known for their ability to open latches and find ways to access chicken coops. In such cases, the geese may not be able to provide sufficient protection against raccoons.
To ensure the safety of your chickens, it is recommended to implement additional measures to deter raccoons and other larger predators. This can include securing the chicken coop with sturdy locks, using hardware cloth or wire mesh to reinforce fencing, and installing motion-sensor lights or alarms to scare away potential threats.
While geese can certainly help protect your flock of chickens from smaller predators like skunks and weasels, they may not be able to effectively defend against larger predators such as raccoons. It is important to implement additional security measures to ensure the safety of your chickens from all potential threats.