Bonding with 2nd generation?

[Goose and Fig]

My Toulouse surprised me and started laying already- yay! Too bad it's flipping freezing outside!

Anyway- my flock are totally bonded to me. It's adoreable. I love the way they follow me around and stay in the garden even if I leave for a bit. If any of the females are so inclined, I'd like to let them hatch some of thier eggs. I don't expect their babies to bond with me, but how likely is it that they at least won't be afraid of me?

 

[Denninmi]

Quote:
I've not yet had geese myself, so I can only respond with anecdotal comments gleaned from reading on this forum and others. It seems that, if the parents are accepting of you, the hatchlings will also at least tolerate you. I have heard/read that you need to "introduce" yourself to the new family in a calm and positive manner, and treats are said to really help.

I'll be interested to see what responses come from someone other than me, someone who actually knows what they're talking about.

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Most of the goslings readily accepted us as the treat givers. There were a few who were shied away but most came running right to us. I don't think you'll have any problems if the parents accept you willingly. But do be prepared for the parents to be a bit standoffish to you while their raising their babies at first.

Laurie

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
IMO if you are friendly with the parents the goslings will trust you also AS LONG AS YOU DO NOTHING TO LOSE THEIR TRUST. Young goslings are supposed to be afraid of everything except their parents, that is how they survive. If you insist of looming over them and trying to pick them up they will be scared and often will poop in your hand to prove it! I usually go out and sit or lay down with a few treats The parents will come over and check you out (usually the gander) if he thinks you are OK (treats help) the goose and goslings will join him. bribe everyone with treats and be sure not to scare the kids. Usually the kids will be pestering the adults to 'go visit the treat man' when they next see you. don't disapoint them. Actually the second generation bond is not as tight as with the first generation. The 1st is based on the bonding instinct, while the 2nd is based on greed. but greed is good.

 

[The goose girl]

Quote:
I totally agree with Goosedragon, especially on the "do nothing to lose their trust"-thing.