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Geese choose their nesting site

Canada Geese are good at choosing nesting sites, even if sometimes these sites are hard for us to understand. Geese like open, flat spaces where they can see predators coming from far away, so flat rooftops or large raised patios look like great nesting spots to Canada geese. If the nest is less than 2 storeys above ground, and there are no barriers more than 4 inches high to prevent the baby geese from leaving, it’s probably a normal situation.

Sometimes geese don’t think ahead

Sometimes geese don’t think ahead, and nest in places that their babies won’t be able to fly out or off of. If the rooftop or patio nest is more than 2 storeys above ground, OR has a barrier around it more than 4 inches high, please contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice. If the goslings have already hatched, provide them with finely cut up greens (e.g. clover, dandelion, spinach) in a shallow pan of water (like a lasagna pan) and consider this an emergency.

Geese intend to leave with their babies

Once the female starts sitting on the eggs, they will hatch in about 25 days. Baby geese can walk within hours of hatching, and the parents will try to lead their new family away from the nest area. Because the goslings cannot fly until they are three months old, they may be unable to jump safely from the roof to follow their parents. Generally newly hatched goslings can fall about 2 storeys without hurting themselves, because they are so small and fluffy. If the nest is more than two storeys high, or there is a barrier more than 4 inches tall preventing the goslings from jumping off, or you find any injured goslings on the ground, please contact a wildlife rehabilitator for advice.

Can I do anything to help?

It’s generally best not to intervene during incubation, but once the babies hatch they might need help. Contact a wildlife rehabilitator before they hatch to make a plan for the big day!

In the meantime, there are a few things you can do:

Don’t touch the nest

Canada geese are federally protected, so moving the nest is illegal without a permit. A goose will also not recognize her nest if it is moved even a few feet, let alone off of the roof.

Let people know

Put up signs to alert passersby or tape off a section of the rooftop or patio to keep the geese safe and calm while they’re waiting for their eggs to hatch.

Don’t feed the geese

It’s normal for a female goose not to eat for the entire incubation period—she fattens up beforehand to prepare. Leaving food or water out for the adult geese will only attract predators like raccoons or opossums, putting the nest in danger. Once the goslings have hatched, feeding them unnatural food like bread can cause problems with their growing bones and feathers.

If the goslings have already hatched, and they are unable to jump off to follow their parents, it is okay to offer the babies a shallow pan of water they can easily get in and out of. Finely chop up some clover, dandelion greens, or spinach, and float it in the water for them to nibble at. Call a wildlife rehabilitator immediately if you don’t already have a rescue plan.

Plan ahead to discourage nesting geese in the future

If you want to prevent geese from nesting on the rooftop, think about making changes next year to discourage them from nesting again.

Change the landscape

Planting shrubs, tall grasses, or trees can break up the sightlines and make the roof a less attractive nesting spot for geese. Scare devices such as eye-spot balloons, coloured flags, or garbage bags tied to sticks can be very effective if you set them up just before nesting season and move them around frequently.

Be a nuisance

Physically getting outside and chasing the geese away while they’re still establishing territory (but before there are eggs in the nest) can help convince them to find a better spot.

Orphaned goslings

Goslings found alone with no adult geese should always be considered orphaned. First, look around the ground near the building to make sure the parents aren’t waiting nearby. If you don’t see them, please contact a wildlife rehabilitator immediately.