Hello everyone. I'm looking for input from seasoned geese keepers please. I have an indoor/outdoor 7 month old Pomeranian goose, two ducks, three chickens and one high-energy, mischievous 16 week kitten. The waterfowl have sweet temperaments and love to hang out with us.
After rescuing the kitten at 7weeks old, I found out he was feral. While he has learned most of his manners, and is usually sweet with the humans in the house, except for some rough play and constant attempts (still!) to nurse, he torments the goose. And, although she is probably 15lbs, and he is a couple lbs. the goose hasn't realized she's bigger and could put him in his place right quick. Instead, she hisses and flaps and runs away. The kitten thinks this game is perfect, he bats at her and pounces, leaving the gooses nerves frayed and razzled.
My questions are- is my flock unsafe? Will he continue to "hunt" after he is neutered? Though the goose is curious, she won't relax, is she right to remain cautious or should I work to facilitate a more harmonious relationship? I know the goose is a prey animal and the kitten a predator, but many geese have dog friends. I hope we can keep the kitten, but I love having goslings and ducklings running in and out of the house, I'm not sure I'm willing to give that up.
Thanks in advance for any insight you have to offer.
After rescuing the kitten at 7weeks old, I found out he was feral. While he has learned most of his manners, and is usually sweet with the humans in the house, except for some rough play and constant attempts (still!) to nurse, he torments the goose. And, although she is probably 15lbs, and he is a couple lbs. the goose hasn't realized she's bigger and could put him in his place right quick. Instead, she hisses and flaps and runs away. The kitten thinks this game is perfect, he bats at her and pounces, leaving the gooses nerves frayed and razzled.
My questions are- is my flock unsafe? Will he continue to "hunt" after he is neutered? Though the goose is curious, she won't relax, is she right to remain cautious or should I work to facilitate a more harmonious relationship? I know the goose is a prey animal and the kitten a predator, but many geese have dog friends. I hope we can keep the kitten, but I love having goslings and ducklings running in and out of the house, I'm not sure I'm willing to give that up.
Thanks in advance for any insight you have to offer.