Geese are hardy, long-lived birds that often stay with the same mate for years. Here is how long geese live in the wild and on farms.
How long geese live
Wild geese, such as Canada geese and greylag geese, commonly live around 10 to 20 years once they survive their first year. Domestic geese kept as pets or on farms can live even longer, sometimes into their twenties, thanks to reliable food and protection from predators. Geese are among the hardier waterfowl, coping well with cold weather. Their long lives support strong family groups, with parents guarding goslings closely through the breeding season.
What affects a goose's lifespan
Young goslings face the greatest risks from predators, harsh weather and disease, and many do not survive their first year. Geese that reach adulthood are large and well able to defend themselves, so they often live for many years. Access to safe habitat, clean water and good grazing all help. Domestic geese generally outlive wild ones because they are sheltered and fed. For related lifespans, see how long ducks live and swans live, plus our water birds hub.
Wild versus domestic geese
It may surprise you that domestic geese often outlive their wild cousins. A wild Canada goose faces predators, weather and hunger, and averages roughly ten to twelve years, though some reach far more. Domestic geese, by contrast, are protected and fed, kept safe from many of these dangers. As a result they commonly live twenty to twenty-five years, and some carry on beyond thirty. A steady, sheltered life truly does add years for these birds. For their menu, see what geese eat.
How geese survive so long
Geese owe their long lives to more than luck. Strong pair bonds mean partners look out for one another through the seasons. Living in flocks brings group vigilance, with many birds watching for danger so no single goose is caught off guard. And once a goose reaches full adult size, it has few natural predators, which lets survivors live for many years. Wild Canada geese can range from around ten to twenty-four years thanks to these advantages. See more of their kind in our water birds guide.