advice for first time gosling owner?

[bluemerle]

Anyone get their goslings yet?

I'm feeling a bit disappointed - the feed store I was going through has been giving me the run-around. A different feed store (with more knowledgeable staff) informed me that they will be getting a hatchery's choice batch in June 19th. And I'm really tempted! However, I know that in all likelihood, the goslings will likely be Chinese, African, and Embden.

Am I right in thinking none of those breeds are well suited for someone who just wants some docile pets?

 

[GEESES Peanut Butter Cup]

Anyone get their goslings yet?

I'm feeling a bit disappointed - the feed store I was going through has been giving me the run-around. A different feed store (with more knowledgeable staff) informed me that they will be getting a hatchery's choice batch in June 19th. And I'm really tempted! However, I know that in all likelihood, the goslings will likely be Chinese, African, and Embden.

Am I right in thinking none of those breeds are well suited for someone who just wants some docile pets?

I've only had 1 African gosling (almost 5-week-old). He has been pretty friendly so far, likes to walk onto and sit on my legs, and hasn't attacked me (at least not yet).

 

[jillmost80]

Anyone get their goslings yet?

I'm feeling a bit disappointed - the feed store I was going through has been giving me the run-around. A different feed store (with more knowledgeable staff) informed me that they will be getting a hatchery's choice batch in June 19th. And I'm really tempted! However, I know that in all likelihood, the goslings will likely be Chinese, African, and Embden.

Am I right in thinking none of those breeds are well suited for someone who just wants some docile pets?

I think of it more like having a dog. You can get a really aggressive breed but in how you raise it and make sure you know your goose logic and living then you should be fine. You know you can see some "bad Breeds" but they turn out to be wonderful and super attentive. I have French Toulouse but I will say if you have not had a goose prior for a pet it sure is a LOT of work. Like a newborn baby you will be expected to be around them 24/7 until they feel ready to leave you a lone a while which could take months. It can be done but I only highly suggest reading as much as possible on geese and the social status. You can love the big feather baby but knowing the levels and how they work in their own social status is HUGE in helping you raise one.
But as for breed it is I think the DNA would be a factor in how social and docile it can be naturally. I would highly suggest a good breeder not a TS on the pet aspect of one. I mean if you are grabbing a few to throw in a pasture then yeah TS is ok. You won't have to worry about the imprint and its stress of how it reached TS.
Mine was imprinted on me and you can really see it! I find it is a better opportunity for her to trust me and learn some body language things I show her.
Have you ever had a goose prior? DO you have any others? Or do you have any other birds for that matter? You will be hearing this a lot and have people shaking their fingers at you on what they think. ( just a side note)

 

[jillmost80]

So do you let them pick their own grass? Or do you cut some up for them? I'm reading that some grass should help to prevent angel wing? And should be given daily?

I give mine little flats of grass I make from Barley seeds and also romaine lettuce with small bits of whatever I am making that day. Sometimes threads of apple and or carrots in the pile. Angel wing would be more an issue if you give them only protein and nothing with it at high rates. If you are concerned I have known some people to put a little dried oats and or mixed cooked rice in the mix. They are only on the crumbles/ pellets for a little while. I feed mine only a cup a day now but the rest is what I feel like is three hundred pounds of greens a day. And she poops maybe 299 pounds of that back to me hahaha.

 

[jillmost80]

Sounds like I may end up really liking geese. I will take them around everyone so everyone becomes familiar. After doing some reading I may had made a mistake getting a gander. If necessary he will be removed. Hopefully he doesn't make troubles. I am excited. It's probably why I'm so nervous and I'm afraid I will kill them all.

taking them around is good just be mindful of people wanting to pet them since they are not a normal pet people see and assume they are ok to pet right away. I bring mine to pick up our daughter from school. I will allow them to pet her hand side up and only on her back of neck. I will then wipe her with a wet wipe after that since I hate germs. But you never know what the baby might catch from another person with birds and or just in general. it takes time and you have to be quick to correct people on approach her slow she is still learning people reminders. One wrong person can set your baby goose back week in trust.
Ps. Ganders are great they are fun!!!!

 

[bluemerle]

The goslings have landed!

@Miss Lydia (since you've been so helpful) I have two goslings! One of which .... may be an African? Feed store lady got a bunch of breeds in the same box, and tried her best, but said one may be African - and one is definitely louder than the other. But maybe he's just a talkative Toulouse.

My question is this: they hate it when I'm out of visual eyesight. They start crying as soon as I close the door to their room (protection from the curious cat). Am I doing the right thing by 'leaving' for short periods of time and then coming back in?

I know some people mentioned a soft toy, but I'm worried about them picking the fluffing off and eating it. Anything else I can try to comfort them while I'm away?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Give them a mirror. They love to look at themselves. And are looking to you as part of their flock goslings really imprint fast.
They may like a stuffed animal too. Just look it over good so they can’t chew any thing off. Spending a lot of time with them is going to make them friendly as any puppy. Hope you post some pics soon!

 

[bluemerle]

@Miss Lydia Thank you! And yes, pictures will be coming soon!

Okay ..... another worry-wart question. They both occasionally sling strands of ... snot? clear mucus ... out of their nose, but one definitely does it more often and shakes his head a lot. I'm hoping it's not some sort of respiratory thing. They have a deep-dish waterer, but should I try some ACV? Or are they too young for that?

 

[GEESES Peanut Butter Cup]

@Miss Lydia Thank you! And yes, pictures will be coming soon!

Okay ..... another worry-wart question. They both occasionally sling strands of ... snot? clear mucus ... out of their nose, but one definitely does it more often and shakes his head a lot. I'm hoping it's not some sort of respiratory thing. They have a deep-dish waterer, but should I try some ACV? Or are they too young for that?

Is the room regularly cleaned? If it's too moist, there might be invisible mold causing the problem. (At the same time, being too dry isn't good, either.)

 

[bluemerle]

Everyone has survived the night! Though boy, am I tired.

The head shaking cleared up as the night progressed, and is nonexistent this morning. They started out on a chick waterer, and I think the one just had a lot of gunk to clear out of his nose/throat. The spit slinging, I have found out, is just a thing for geese. Someone mentioned it happens mostly after they eat, which is also my experience.

Grateful for all the replies! @Miss Lydia @GEESES Peanut Butter Cup a picture as thanks.