Farm Animals

Welfare of Farmed Geese

Farmed geese face welfare challenges from feather plucking, force-feeding for foie gras, and intensive housing that prevents their aquatic and social behaviors.

Key Facts

Live plucking of geese for down feathers is practiced in Hungary, Poland, and China
Geese plucked alive show behavioral and physiological stress responses for days afterward
Foie gras production force-feeds geese to enlarge livers up to 10 times normal size
Geese are highly social, monogamous birds that form long-term pair bonds
Alternative down sources including synthetic and recycled fill are widely available

Welfare Considerations

Goose welfare in production systems is compromised by two particularly severe practices: live plucking and foie gras production. Live plucking removes feathers while the animal is conscious, causing pain and tissue damage. Foie gras force-feeding via metal tube into the esophagus causes liver disease, difficulty breathing, and physical injury. Both practices are banned in several countries but remain legal and widespread in major producing nations.

What You Can Do

Choose synthetic, recycled, or responsibly sourced down certified to the Responsible Down Standard
Never purchase or consume foie gras produced through force-feeding
Advocate for live plucking bans in countries where the practice remains legal
Support campaigns for foie gras import restrictions in countries that have not banned production