Instead the duck uses its bill to scoop the ground or streambed in search of insects. Their webbed feet are accessorized by short toenails which do not scratch the ground or help the bird in foraging. This spur aids in fighting and protection of the flock.ĭucks do have toes but they are connected by webbing which works as a swimming aid. Roosters (and some females) develop spurs, a sharp talon-like protrusion at the back of the foot, as they age. They use their toenails or short claws to disturb the top layer of soil and simultaneously use their beaks to peck while snacking. They will sleep standing on one leg if they are actively guarding their flock or sleep by laying on the ground if another goose is actively “on watch duty.” FeetĬhickens possess the natural instinct to forage and scratch at the ground in search of seeds, insects, or grit. Geese generally do not sleep on their nests unless they are actively sitting and warming their eggs. It is also worth noting that geese only breed seasonally - eggs are only produced in early spring for about two to three months. Just as with chickens, though, female geese prefer a private setting that is quiet and secure, away from the rest of the flock. It is possible for a goose to wait until a dozen or so eggs reside in the nest, covering them with bedding between laying, before choosing to incubate them. ducks is their instinct to accumulate a clutch of several eggs before the desire to sit on them sets in. Geese are very similar to ducks in their nesting preferences they create large nests of bedding usually under a shelter. Additionally, ducks enjoy sleeping in their nests until they are let out of the coop for the day or directly on the floor. Though some hens prefer privacy, many are just as happy to lay their eggs in a public location. Some ducks simply lay wherever they happen to be at the moment and avoid nest building altogether. However, they much prefer to follow their natural instinct to form nests of bedding and to lay their eggs on the floor.

They will use a nesting box if it’s placed at a low level in proximity to the ground. These boxes are used mainly for the chicken to nest in they sleep on roosts off the ground, away from soiled bedding and possible predators.ĭucks do not fly vertically to lay their eggs in nesting boxes. It is for the benefit and convenience of the farmer to construct nest boxes where some chicken keepers may employ the use of false eggs to encourage chickens to lay. Most chickens will lay eggs wherever they feel is private and secure, though it is not entirely unusual to find chicken eggs laid on the coop floor. Geese do operate in a pecking order, however they are just as happy to pair off in groups of two. It is this natural inclination to protect that gives the goose its status as a watchdog or livestock guardian. Common goose behavior tends to be naturally territorial and more assertive. Though ducks and geese are both members of the waterfowl family, they differ greatly in their behavior.

Goose goose duck pigeon