Alternative Names (Synonyms)

Names for newly-hatched

Names for non-breeding males or other colour-phases

References

Species Author

Major References

Aviculture references:
J23.13.w7
B29, B30, B31, B94, B96, B97, B139
N1.99.w1
D1, D8

Other References

TAXA Group (where information has been collated for an entire group on a modular basis)

Parent Group

• Waterfowl
• Geese

Specific Needs Group referenced in Management Techniques

• Aggressive Birds (Category 2.) (D1)
• Grazing Waterfowl (D1)

Aviculture Information

Notes

• Cape Barren geese are hardy and easy to manage, but strong, aggressive including to humans (very aggressive in the breeding season) and good diggers. They require a separate spacious enclosure with good grazing and secure fencing well-buried to prevent their digging out. They are mainly terrestrial. Wheat and other grain, pellets, green food, and wholemeal bread should supplement good grazing; lucern (alfalfa) pellets may also be used.
• Cape Barren geese are fairly easily bred but variable - some pairs are prolific. In Australia May to August (winter) is the common breeding season for captive birds. In the Northern hemisphere they lay usually November to April (peak December to January), so they often nest in mid-winter. A kennel-type box is often used but they also lay in open or close ground cover. A shelter area such as a large kennel-type structure should be provided sufficient for winter nesting, frost-proof and draught-proof for winter-hatched goslings and this may be supplemented by some good natural vegetation cover.
• Both parents will defend the nest and young; fresh lettuce and sprouting grain should be provided to goslings as part of their diet. Goslings must be removed once reared.
• These birds frequently re-lay if the first clutch is removed for artificial incubation. Some pairs are unreliable parents and removal of eggs and hand rearing may be prefered for such birds.
• Goslings should be encouraged to exercise, and too rapid growth avoided to reduce the risk of Angel Wing. Unlike their parents, goslings readily make use of a water area.
• Both artificial hatching and rearing and broodies may be used; care should be taken to avoid imprinting on humans - imprinted males are liable to become particularly aggressive adults.
• N.B. handle these birds with care as they may bite, scratch with their nails and bash with their wings. "Kick boards" (wooden boards on handles) have been used successfully and safely to move these geese without needing to catch and carry them.

(J23.13.w7, B29, B30, B31, B94, B96, B97, B139, N1.99.w1, D1)

Aviornis UK Ringing Scheme suggested average closed ring size: T 20.0mm. (D8).

Management Techniques

Measurement & Weight

Head

Legs

Plumage

Newly-hatched Characteristics

Nest placement and structure

Egg clutches

Incubation

Hatching

Fledging

Sexual Maturity

Feeding Behaviour

Parental Behaviour

Broods may merge at about six weeks old to form nursery flocks.

Social Behaviour

Sexual Behaviour

Predation in Wild

Activity Patterns

Adults

Newly-hatched

Distribution and Movement (Migration etc.)

Tasmania and islands off the south coast of Australia. Winter also on mainland.

Variable dispersion: some move to larger islands or mainland, some remain on breeding islands.

Cereopsis novaehollandiae grisea Recherché Island Cape Barren Goose: Recherché Archipelago, off south coast of Western Australia.

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Habitat

Intraspecific variation

Conservation Status

Main population not presently considered threatened (B1).

Captive Populations

Trade