American Buff killing chickens

[Weezy58]

We've had a pair of Buffs for two years - raised them with lots of attention since they were a day old and really enjoy their antics. They've always gotten along fine in our mixed flock of layers and Swedish ducks. But this week the goose savagely killed one hen and nearly killed another. (The gander has been fine.) For now they're in a dog run so no one else gets hurt, but we really don't know what do do long term. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Miss Lydia]

We've had a pair of Buffs for two years - raised them with lots of attention since they were a day old and really enjoy their antics. They've always gotten along fine in our mixed flock of layers and Swedish ducks. But this week the goose savagely killed one hen and nearly killed another. (The gander has been fine.) For now they're in a dog run so no one else gets hurt, but we really don't know what do do long term. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

I'm thinking mating season, it really causes lots of attitude changes, usually more so with the gander, but I have noticed even my goose has been hateful to some of my chickens, going as far as grabbing their feathers. So far thats all, Probably would be best to keep your pair separate till mating seaso is over. and

 

[Weezy58]

Thanks Miss Lydia, we will do just that. The goose came very close to being taken to a poultry auction yesterday by my adult daughter who was VERY upset that her hen was killed. Unfortunately she was the one who found her and it wasn't pretty. But we've all calmed down now and talked and realize she was just being a hormone-driven goose, and we can't fault her for that! It would also be cruel to separate the pair. They're tightly bonded and the gander would probably be miserable to suddenly be alone.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks Miss Lydia, we will do just that. The goose came very close to being taken to a poultry auction yesterday by my adult daughter who was VERY upset that her hen was killed. Unfortunately she was the one who found her and it wasn't pretty. But we've all calmed down now and talked and realize she was just being a hormone-driven goose, and we can't fault her for that! It would also be cruel to separate the pair. They're tightly bonded and the gander would probably be miserable to suddenly be alone.

He would be very sad, glad you were able to calm down and decide what is best all the way around. I have mama hens which chicks and i am keeping them separate from my water fowl. better safe than sorry.

 

[mominoz]

They should settle down , back to a more peaceful co-existance in a month or so. Every says to watch them from about Jan. Feb. to about end of May. I have had 3 breeds and I keep a watch and make sure they all have separate night pens . I make sure my geese are matched up in the right pastures for eating with a certain breed of ducks. The geese get real protective/territorial crabby about food, pools, and nesting areas, for about 4 months or so.Kind of starts about early laying season, and lasts till end of what would be setting time.

 

[Penny Hen]

Thanks Miss Lydia, we will do just that. The goose came very close to being taken to a poultry auction yesterday by my adult daughter who was VERY upset that her hen was killed. Unfortunately she was the one who found her and it wasn't pretty. But we've all calmed down now and talked and realize she was just being a hormone-driven goose, and we can't fault her for that! It would also be cruel to separate the pair. They're tightly bonded and the gander would probably be miserable to suddenly be alone.

He might have even quit eating and pined away. I had a goose do that when her gander died.

 

[Weezy58]

Thanks, mominoz, that's very helpful info. Right now the geese are with our Swedish ducks and things seem to be going OK. We did put in an additional feeder and wading pool to try to reduce competition and it sounds like we should keep doing that. It's reassuring to know the situation should improve with time!

Penny Hen, we would have felt AWFUL if that had happened! We love Gulliver - he's a lap goose!