Canada Geese Control Federal Permit
Goose egg addling is a wildlife management method of population control for Canada Geese and other bird species. The process of "addling" involves temporarily removing fertilized eggs from the nest, testing for embryo development, terminating embryo development, and placing the egg back in the nest. Returning the egg to the nest misleads the goose believing the egg is still developing. Otherwise, the goose would begin laying again
In order to work effectively, addling must be conducted in a manner that does not arouse the suspicion of the goose, and must not change the odor, appearance or texture of the egg.We can control Canada Geese and reduce their invasion on your property. Addling means "loss of development." It commonly refers to any process by which an egg ceases to be viable. Addling can happen in nature when incubation is interrupted for long enough that eggs cool and embryonic development stops.
The federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act and its amendments protect virtually all native bird species, including Canada geese. Protected birds, their nests, and their eggs cannot be “taken” (harmed) in any way without permission from the USFWS. For most bird species, anyone desiring to addle must apply to USFWS for a depredation permit for their site.
Canada geese that nest within the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia in the months of March, April, May, or June, or reside within the lower 48 States and the District of Columbia in the months of April, May, June, July, or August. New Jersey & New York do not require additional permits.
For an addling program to be successful, it is essential to understand the birds' biology and behavior since these guide addling timing and methods. It also ensures that other species are not affected and Canada geese are not harmed.
Canada geese are easy to recognize by their size, color and markings, and—of course—their distinctive “honking” calls. Canada geese tend to eat and loaf in grassy areas with open sight lines and access to a body of water. Sexual maturity is usually not until three years of age and geese can live up to 20 years, although the average life expectancy of a wild goose is much shorter. Both parents defend the nest and goslings until they are approximately 10 weeks old and can fly. You may wish to supplement this brief summary by referring to field guides and reference works for more details on the biology and natural history of this species.
Nesting Chronology
For addling to be effective and for developing embryos to be treated humanely, it is critical to know the timing of nesting and egg laying in our area. Geese start nesting at slightly different dates in different areas; earlier in southern areas and later in northern areas, ranging from March through June with peak activity in April and May in most of the United States. Weather conditions also impact nesting dates with slightly earlier nesting in warmer years.
Canada Goose Facts
- Life expectancy about 20 years
- Weight: 20-25 pounds
- Migration is a learned process
- Migratory geese flight range 2 – 3 thousand miles
- Resident geese flight range: 100 –200 miles to find food, water, and safety.
- Resident geese can fly long distances as their migratory cousins, but generally have learned that it is not necessary.
- Migratory geese do not become resident geese unless they are injured.
- Mating season: February to March
- Geese mate for life and will stay together during all seasons.
- Geese will find a new mate if mate dies or is killed.
- Migratory geese nest in Canada.
- Geese nesting in the U.S. are "resident" geese who were born here.
- Resident geese were imported to the area for rebuilding dwindling numbers for conservation or hunting. The urban nuisance was not anticipated.
- Nesting Season: Mid March to mid May
- Age of geese when they begin to nest: 3 years
- Geese return to the general area of their birth each year to mate and nest. Sometimes the exact site, sometimes a nearby pond or other body of water.
- The instinct to return to their general area or birth is very strong.
- Migratory geese fly 2,000–3,000 miles to return to these sites.
- Resident geese do not know how to migrate.
- When geese are chased from their traditional nesting area or the nesting area has too many nesting pairs, they find alternative sites to nest ... sometimes farther from water, sometimes in nearby ponds, sometimes on rooftops or balconies. They will hide their nests.
- Geese prefer isolated sites near water to nest. Islands are their favorite location.
- Nests are usually on the ground, in the open.
- Sometimes geese nest in brushy or swampy areas not subject to flooding.
- When egg laying begins the "Father" goose will stand sentinel watch nearby, but not so close as to give away location of nest to a predator. When a solitary goose is seen during nesting season a nest is somewhere in the vicinity.
- The eggs in a nest are called a "clutch"
- Average number of eggs in a nest: 5
- Mother goose lays 1 egg approximately 1_ days apart until full clutch is obtained.
- Eggs not being incubated are cool to the touch.
- Mother goose waits until all eggs are laid before she begins to sit on nest to incubate eggs
- Incubation time: 28 – 30 days
- Undeveloped eggs (still fluid) will sink or float vertically with the wider portion of the egg pointing down.
- Developed eggs will float horizontally or at a slight angle and break the surface of the water. At that point they are one to two weeks away from hatching.
- All geese eggs in a single clutch hatch on approximately the same day
- Baby geese are called "goslings".
- Natural predators of geese are foxes, raccoons, owls and snapping turtles
- Goslings can fly approximately 2-3 months after hatching.
- During June adult geese lose wing feathers and are unable to fly. This is called molting.
- Molting season runs from early June to late July.
- Geese can fly again approximately 6 weeks after molting.
- Generally by early August all geese (except injured geese) are able to fly.
- During the molt geese need to be near water (any water) for easy escape from predators.
We have a Federal Permit to perform Addling of the eggs. If you have any Geese problems call our office TODAY!
888.617.7378