Recent content by chrism

  1. chrism

    Please help me understand nesting requirements.

    You've been a big help... thank you!
  2. chrism

    Please help me understand nesting requirements.

    Thank you very much for taking your time with me! What are the implications if they are pulling out each others feathers? Questions that I'm still looking for answers on: What is the egg laying season for geese? How much shelter should the nest have? Success rate of natural brooding vs...
  3. chrism

    Please help me understand nesting requirements.

    Not sure if they're pulling out each others or their own. My plan so far is to use straw bails and plywood to build a couple of nests in a few locations around the yard. I'll lay a couple of 55 gal barrels over also.
  4. chrism

    Please help me understand nesting requirements.

    Thank you. Should the shelter that I provide be enclosed? They are both pulling feathers from their chest/neck area. Is this nesting behavior?
  5. chrism

    Please help me understand nesting requirements.

    I am searching threads for my answers but digging through all of the chaff is taking quite a bit of time. My situation is this: I'm in Central Va. Mild Winters and wet Springs. I free range a flock of 30 laying hens and a breeding pair of American Buff Geese. They all bunk down in an open access...
  6. chrism

    Geese removing feathers from chest.

    No eggs that I know of. I have not supplied them with a nest of their own. They bunk down with the hens in their shelter. Both of the pair have just down left on their chest. I'm not overly concerned I guess because they are both acting as healthy as always. I'm just trying to learn their behavior.
  7. chrism

    Geese removing feathers from chest.

    Are they molting or is this nesting behavior?
  8. chrism

    Feces covers feathers at vent.

    Thanks all! I will implement all of your advice. I kept her separate because I was concerned that her bare butt would cause pecking. I'll secluded her for a few days so that I can keep an eye on her. I like the yogurt idea.
  9. chrism

    I think something is wrong?

    Thank you. I'll check on that better.
  10. chrism

    I think something is wrong?

    Acting and eating normally. I suspect it could be due to my inability to provide fresh water on a consistent schedule this winter. Now that I have that fixed, is there anything else that I can do to speed their recovery? I feel so bad that I've neglected my girls.
  11. chrism

    I think something is wrong?

    A few of my hens have white feces on their tail feathers. I got the most affected bird into a bath of soapy water. I feel bad because this has obviously gone unnoticed for too long. Her tail feathers were completely packed with feces. I soaked her for a good 15 minutes. I then scrubbed gently...
  12. chrism

    Feces covers feathers at vent.

    Nobody can offer any useful advice?
  13. chrism

    Feces covers feathers at vent.

    After more reading it seems most likely due to me not keeping fresh enough water this winter. First winter season doing this and overall, pretty well managed. Will she be okay if I keep it clean while her feathers grow back? About how long for new growth?
  14. chrism

    Feces covers feathers at vent.

    Update: I got the most affected bird into a bath of soapy water. I feel bad because this has obviously gone unnoticed for too long. Her tail feathers were completely packed with feces. I soaked her for a good 15 minutes while I whispered sweet nothings to keep her calm. I think my neighbor heard...
  15. chrism

    Feces covers feathers at vent.

    Yes, I've just noticed it yesterday. I'll get a warm, soapy bath prepared and apply ointment.
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