Geese are highly social, intelligent waterfowl. Intensive goose farming raises significant welfare concerns, particularly around foie gras production and outdoor access.
Goose welfare problems span production systems from foie gras force-feeding, which causes liver enlargement to pathological levels and acute distress, to live-plucking for down collection, which causes pain and feather follicle damage. Even in less extreme production systems, intensive housing that prevents water access, restricts movement, and separates bonded individuals causes chronic welfare compromise. Geese are long-lived, intelligent birds that form durable social bonds and experience significant stress from social disruption. Welfare-positive goose farming allows outdoor access, water for bathing and preening, appropriate flock sizes, and social stability. Consumer pressure and legal restrictions are the primary levers for welfare improvement.