Egg Depredation

Impairing reproduction can stabilize flock size and lower the reproductive output of Canada geese. These techniques are most appropriate for urban areas with concentrated nesting sites. All of the techniques covered in this section require federal and state permits.

Removing a nest (prior to eggs) forces breeding geese to relocate to an undisturbed area, build a new nest, or nest later in the season. Canada geese may take from a day to a week to construct a nest before they lay eggs. Destroying nests is very labor intensive, requiring daily (or more than once a day) visits to potential nesting areas. Our Migratory Bird Specialists are experts at recognizing nesting locations and managing the area within all government regulations.

Egg depredation is the act of plundering an egg so that it will not go through the incubation process.

Ohio Geese Control works with the Division of Wildlife to ensure the overall population of Canada geese is in balance when implementing egg depredation. It is always preferred, and necessary, to implement other harassment techniques to try and remove the Canada geese naturally from a location before egg depredation is incorporated into your Canada geese control program.

There are three ways to properly manage egg depredation:

  • Oiling eggs prevents gases from diffusing through an egg’s outer membranes and pores in the shell, thereby causing the embryo to die of asphyxiation. Typically, the eggs are taken out of the nest, covered with an oily substance by brushing, dunking, or spraying, and then replaced in the nest.
  • Addling (or shaking) involves vigorously shaking the eggs until sloshing is heard, thus destroying the embryo.
  • Puncturing is done by pushing a thin, strong pin through the shell, which introduces bacteria. The pin can be rotated inside the egg to ensure that the embryo is destroyed. The eggs are treated and replaced so that the female goose continues to incubate in a futile attempt to hatch the eggs. If eggs are simply removed, geese generally re-nest and produce another clutch.

It is suggested that, in the interest of humane treatment, these techniques be performed as early in incubation as possible.

Ohio Geese Control will work with our clients to get the necessary permits, manage eggs and record number of eggs for proper recording. If you need assistance with your Canada geese pest control methods, contact us for a free site visit at 1-877-91GEESE.