Crazy Trio!

[judyc]

I have a flick of American Buffs. They have three nests going. One setup (natural setup they did this themselves) is one goose and TWO ganders! I was out changing water in the pools a few days ago and saw what I knew to be a gander breed the goose from behind. Yes, I saw his willy. Then, a couple days later, I saw what I supposed to be a goose in the trio ostensibly breed the goose. At that point I thought perhaps it was a dominant goose, but I saw them from behind today and saw HIS tool! I never thought this happened. There are three active nests and I do have young from last year. There shouldn’t be a shortage of females.

 

[judyc]

Has anyone had this happen? Am I safe to remove one gander?

 

[Goosebaby]

You don’t need to separate them unless they’re too violent with each other. If they’re getting along all right and their squabbles are brief then there’s no reason to separate them.
Just keep a watchful eye in case their dynamic sours.

 

[judyc]

You don’t need to separate them unless they’re too violent with each other. If they’re getting along all right and their squabbles are brief then there’s no reason to separate them.
Just keep a watchful eye in case their dynamic sours.

Well, I did remove the older gander. Life is much better. That goose had built her nest in the henhouse, and the Runner ducks were afraid to go in when that gander was there. Last night, the ducks went in by themselves and no one accosted my husband when he shut them up for the night. I'll watch today to make sure the mating is on track.

 

[judyc]

Well, I did remove the older gander. Life is much better. That goose had built her nest in the henhouse, and the Runner ducks were afraid to go in when that gander was there. Last night, the ducks went in by themselves and no one accosted my husband when he shut them up for the night. I'll watch today to make sure the mating is on track.

The answer is that the young gander didn't mind AT ALL! We had a successful mating this morning and I collected the egg laid during the night/early morning. She can keep the eggs in the nest and I'll take the fresh ones.