I have 9 ducks, a muscovy (which I believe is part of the goose family) and 3 geese (3 females and 1 male). Two of the females are recent additions and about one and a half years old. The gander and other female have been with us for about two years now. The female I think is pregnant and the gander is soooo protective over her. He leaves the ducks alone but the poor muscovy cops the brunt of his aggression. He has bitten holes in his head and I am afraid that he is going to kill the muscovy one of these days. I have seen him pin him under the water in the dam for what seems like ages to me. The other two females he just chases and they get away from him. He has never been aggressive to me or my husband. He seems to be more aggressive at the moment and I suppose it is because the female is pregnant. Dont know what to do about him. They are not pets as such as they live in and around our dam. I feed them in separate bowls but generally they share. Any suggestions?
@Ganderedout Ganders are very protective of their mates and of their off spring. It doesn't have to necessarily mean your goose is laying and brooding either ganders see just about everything as a threat. Have you seen a nest and eggs? geese don't get pregnant they do have a breeding and egg laying time of year though and brooding and gosling rearing time, your Muscovy is in danger because ganders can and will kill. Not too long ago a member lost 2 ducks over night to their gander. I have to keep a close eye on my geese because they have gotten hold of one of my Muscovy's a few times. If possible I'd make a pen for your ducks for their protection you can use a kiddy pool for them for water to bathe in but I'm afraid your going to loose your drake {Muscovy} this is a drake the gander is abusing? male duck?if not sure can you get pics. My ganders leave my drake alone but go after one of my female Muscovy's. the only reason they leave my drake alone is because right now he is the dominant bird in the flock, which may all change once breeding season starts next year. are you in the USA, that may depend alot on what your seeing too is in a country which is now into spring your in breeding and laying season for geese. Welcome to BYC
