African Goose - Gander- for free...what do u think?

[cdnley]

Hello

I posted and ad on Kijiji that I am willing to take geese/ducks in. I had a lady contact me that she has an African goose (adult) about 3ft tall who is gentle and calm that she is wanting to get rid of. Are they pretty nice? I have 2 small children as well... I assume that he doesn't have a mate and is being problematic because of that? Anyhow I have to get him from point A to B (about an hour) in the back of my 05 4runner. I do not have a dog crate...is there another suggestion you have for me?

What about having him as a solo gander for several months as my new babies will not be ready to be with him for a while (they are coming at the end of May at 2 days old).

When starting out introducing an adult goose to my house and pond what do you suggest? He will be the lone goose for a while, do you think he will cope okay?

Thanks!

 

[Balbinka]

Quote:
Well, I don't know about introducing him to the pond and whatnot, but...

I have met a few African geese. Depending on how they're raised (like all geese) they can be wonderful or kind of nasty. The gander I see every day at a neighbor's house is vocal. Pretty hissy too, but has not bitten me. The females I've met have been very mellow and sweet when away from their boyfriends.

Very vocal breed for sure!

Most Africans you get at hatcheries have a bit of Brown Chinese in them, which might contribute to part of their temperament (whether good or bad). They are gorgeous geese though.

 

[Oregon Blues]

The only way I know of to transport geese is in a crate. You can't sit him down in one of the seats and seat belt him in.

He's big. You don't want him flapping around inside your car while you are driving. What was your plan for transporting geese when you put the ad in that you would take geese?

If you plan on having geese, bite the bullet and buy yourself a dog crate that will fit in your vehicle. They are available used on Craigslist all the time.

I prefer the mostly solid plastic crates for car transport instead of the wire cage type. That is more secure for the birds and lessons the possibility that the bird will get goose poop through the wire and all over your car. I put a scoop of pine shavings in the bottom of the crate.

 

[cdnley]

Quote:
I was actually hoping to belt him in, he can sit in the passenger seat and be in charge of the radio!

My experience with ducks and geese is very limited and I am learning as I go. Transporting or even having geese is not something I have really done, unless you count the Canada goose I had here for a few months last summer.

My plan for taking geese in was to have people drop them off actually. If someone no longer wants their dog/cat etc they usually take them to an appropriate location so they can be re-homed, I assumed the same situation would be applicable for a duck or goose. Maybe that is not the right assumption? I can't justify buying a crate for a one time use either....

I guess what I was looking for was a little insight on the breed and if anyone had anything on hand they used in a pinch for a quick transport.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Warning. Do not give the gander control of the radio unless you like Broadway Show Tunes. They love Lisa Manelli and I've got a gander who thinks he is Phantom of the Opera, complete with all the dramatic sounds. They really do not have good taste in music.

However, they are the best at honking the horn.

 

[Gracie9205]

 

[KBlue]

We've transported geese and turkeys before by cutting a hole in one of the corners of a burlap sack and putting the bird in the bag with its head through the hole. Tying the large opening of the bag shut kept them in it and prevented them from moving around.

 

[cdnley]

Yikes, I am not so much into show tunes...perhaps I should rethink the radio + goose situation! Thanks for the advice about the burlap bag. I may try to find a suitable cardboard box or maybe I can borrow someones dog crate..but if all else fails I will go for the bag trick!

 

[Balbinka]

Have you brought him home yet?

 

[GarlicEater]

Cook 'im slow, he's bound to be tough.