6 Best Goose Transport Crates for Farms

Moving geese is one of those farm tasks that sounds simple until you’re face-to-face with a 20-pound bird that has strong opinions and even stronger wings. The difference between a smooth relocation and a chaotic, stressful event often comes down to one piece of equipment: the transport crate. Choosing the right one isn’t just about containment; it’s about managing the well-being of your flock from point A to point B.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, this site earns from qualifying purchases. Thank you!

Why Proper Crating Reduces Goose Transport Stress

A goose’s natural instinct during a stressful event is to either fight or flee. Being captured and confined triggers this response, flooding their system with stress hormones. A well-designed crate works by mitigating the primary stressors: unfamiliar sights, excessive movement, and poor airflow.

The goal is to create a secure, stable, and comfortable environment. Darkness or reduced light has a significant calming effect on poultry, encouraging them to sit quietly. Proper ventilation is non-negotiable, as birds can overheat quickly, especially when crowded. The crate’s size and shape prevent them from thrashing around, reducing the risk of broken wings or other injuries during transit.

Ultimately, a good crate transforms a frightening experience into a manageable one. Birds that arrive calm and healthy will integrate into a new pasture or coop more easily and return to normal behavior, like eating and drinking, much faster. This isn’t just about being kind; it’s about practical, effective animal husbandry.

Kuhl TC850-T: Sturdy, Stackable Hauling Option

When you need to move several large geese, the Kuhl transport coop is the workhorse of the industry for a reason. Made from high-density, UV-stabilized polyethylene, these crates are built to withstand the abuse of farm life. They won’t crack in the cold or become brittle in the sun.

Their biggest advantage is their interlocking design, allowing you to safely stack them two or three high in a truck bed. This is a game-changer for efficiency when moving more than a couple of birds. The top-hinged door is large enough to place a goose inside without an awkward struggle, and it latches securely.

The trade-off is the investment. Kuhl crates are more expensive than basic options, but their longevity makes them a worthwhile purchase for any farm that plans to move birds regularly. They easily handle the weight and power of heavy breeds like African or Embden geese, providing peace of mind that the container won’t fail.

Brower TC3: Top-Loading for Easy Goose Handling

The Brower TC3 is another top-tier poultry transport crate, often seen as a direct competitor to Kuhl. It shares the same core principles: durable plastic construction, excellent ventilation, and a design focused on animal safety and handler convenience. Its solid build ensures it can handle the weight of multiple mature geese.

Where the Brower really shines is its user-friendly top door. The large, spring-loaded door mechanism is simple to operate with one hand, which is crucial when your other arm is busy holding a powerful goose. Getting birds in and out is quick and efficient, minimizing the time they spend being handled.

Like other premium coops, the smooth interior is easy to power wash and sanitize between uses, a critical step for maintaining flock biosecurity. For the small farmer who values durability and ease of use, the Brower TC3 is a fantastic, long-lasting solution that simplifies a tough job.

Petmate Sky Kennel: Airline-Approved Durability

Don’t overlook the humble dog kennel, especially the heavy-duty models like the Petmate Sky Kennel. Because they are designed to meet strict airline IATA standards for shipping live animals, they are incredibly tough, secure, and well-ventilated. Many small farms already have one on hand.

The enclosed, den-like design is a major benefit for reducing stress. The solid walls provide a sense of security and block out overwhelming visual stimuli, encouraging the goose to settle down. The wire door and side vents offer more than enough airflow for safe travel, even on warm days.

The main challenge is the side-loading door. It can be more difficult to guide a large, reluctant goose through a side door than to lower it into a top-loading coop. However, for moving just one or two birds, especially a prized breeder or a broody goose with her goslings, the security and calming effect of a Sky Kennel are hard to beat.

MidWest Wire Crate: Superior Airflow for Calm Travel

A standard wire dog crate offers one massive advantage: unbeatable ventilation. On a hot, humid day, the ability for air to move freely from all directions can be the most important factor in preventing heat stress, which geese are particularly susceptible to.

The open design, however, can be a double-edged sword. While great for airflow, the 360-degree view can be overstimulating and stressful for some birds. A goose that can see everything happening outside the vehicle is less likely to settle down.

The solution is simple and effective: drape a lightweight, breathable sheet or a thin blanket over the top and sides of the crate. This creates the dark, secure environment the goose needs while still allowing for superior air circulation. This adaptability makes the wire crate a versatile and often budget-friendly option.

DuMOR Large Coop: A Solid Tractor Supply Choice

Sometimes, the best tool is the one you can get your hands on today. The DuMOR Large Poultry Transport Coop, available at Tractor Supply, is an accessible and affordable option for small-scale farmers who need a functional crate without waiting for shipping.

This coop follows the proven top-load design, with a sliding door on top and ample ventilation slots along the sides. It’s constructed from a lighter plastic than premium brands like Kuhl or Brower, but it’s perfectly adequate for the occasional transport of a few geese to the processor or a new pasture.

Consider this the practical choice for infrequent use. It may not hold up to the daily rigors of a larger operation or heavy stacking, but for a hobby farmer moving birds a handful of times per year, it strikes an excellent balance between cost, availability, and function.

Farm Tuff Top-Load Crate: A Lightweight Option

Hauling heavy-duty crates around can be a chore in itself, especially when you’re already wrangling heavy birds. The Farm Tuff Top-Load Crate is a notable option because it prioritizes being lightweight and easy to handle, making it less cumbersome to carry from the barn to the truck.

It features the essential top-loading door that makes getting poultry in and out so much easier. The plastic construction is lighter than some of its competitors, which is the main reason for its portability. It still provides adequate ventilation and a secure space for transport.

The key tradeoff here is ruggedness. A lighter-weight crate may not be the best choice for stacking or for containing exceptionally large and powerful ganders. But for smaller breeds like Shetlands or for farmers who value ease of personal handling over maximum durability, it’s a very sensible choice.

Selecting the Right Crate Size for Your Flock

The single most important factor in a low-stress transport is choosing the correct crate size. It’s a common mistake to think bigger is better, but a crate that is too large is just as dangerous as one that is too small. Excess space allows the goose to be thrown around during starts, stops, and turns, leading to injury.

A properly sized crate should allow a goose to stand up and turn around, but not much more. They should not have enough room to flap their wings or take a full step. This snug fit keeps them stable and secure, preventing them from gaining momentum and crashing into the sides of the crate.

Before you buy, consider the size of your birds and how many you’ll move at once. A single large Embden gander has very different needs than four smaller Roman Tufted geese. For a single bird, a large dog kennel is often perfect. For a group, a poultry coop sized for turkeys will typically provide the right amount of height and floor space for several geese. Always match the crate to the specific job at hand.

Ultimately, investing in the right transport crate is an investment in your flock’s welfare and your own peace of mind. A calm, safe journey means healthier animals and a far less frantic farmer—a simple change that makes a big difference in the rhythm of farm work.