Depressed Goose? PLEASE HELP

[GracieNut]

OK, long story, so please bear with me.

About 2 months ago, I ordered a pair of Holderread's top show quality goslings. As many of you know, they have a minimum order, so to make the minimum order, I ordered 4 of the "bargain gosling assortment" with the plan that I would just find homes for those guys. Well, one of them turned out to be blind. Completely blind, partially blind, I'm not sure, but definitely has trouble seeing. I couldn't let him go for fear that someone else would not watch out for him the way he should be watched out for, so for the last 2 months he lived here, with his 2 "flock mates" my Lavender Ice pair. BTW, I say "he" but "he" is not sexed, so I don't know the sex of this blind bargain gosling.... Anyway, he thrived, I made sure his food/water was always in the same place, he seemed happy (although he did like to pluck at the other two), loved grass, loved treats, you get the idea...

Well, my problem was this... They stay in a "goose house" at night, and are herded into a "goose tractor" during the day. This was an issue, as the blind one could not see and so he had to be physically picked up and moved about to wherever you wanted him to go. When moving the tractor it took forever because you had to move it so slow so as not to run him over. (The tractor is moved 5-6 times a day). I have also 6 dogs (house dogs), 2 cats, canaries, a couple of parrots, and chickens, AND a 4 month old human baby! The time I was spending on this one blind goose was driving me batty and there were days that I just could not for the love of me go outside and "deal" with him. So.... I thought it might be time to find him a home that has more time to devote to him, and off he went to live in an amazing home, with paddocks, and grass, and kiddie pools galore, and an added bonus was a flock of Indian Runners for him to pal around with. I thought it couldn't get better than that...

Well... He apparently isn't eating. She told me today she put him in the backyard where grass is plentiful and he just laid down (not like him) and they have to physically put him in his kiddie pool (not like him). Also she said his eyes are watery (not sure what that means, but they weren't watery here so I asked her what kind of bedding she uses and I'm still waiting for a reply)... I am so worried about him... I think he may be depressed because he can't find his "flock" that he grew up with, and probably got a little help from.... Does anyone have an opinion on this?

So, I'm going to tell her that if he doesn't show improvement that I would like to have him back, but here is my concern, will my other two accept him back??? He's been gone since Tuesday, not very long, but will they accept him back? Please help. I won't be settled until he is back here honestly, but I am so worried that my other two just won't be having it at all...

 

[ellenmartin]

Ok. He is BLIND. His sense of HEARING is his only contact with the real world just like a person. It is CRITICAL to him. It is all he has known. So, strange sounds, new world, and changing things is a big NO for him.

He can not HEAR the sounds, chirps, grunts, cackles of his flock mates that are what keep him going. He depends on them and can not see to adapt to change so change for a blind animal is like I said a BIG NO! Given this point he is depressed and actually probably dying from the stress and fatigue. Get him with them asap! IMHO and it is no joke.

You need to put him back with his flockmates, back in the same environment, go through the routine for a little bit longer to save him and if you don't want to "deal with him" make a predator proof pen for him NEAR where you do the tractor thing and put one of the flockmates in there with him as a companion so he can hear the others at a distance, talk and has someone in there with him to bond with and FEEL.

Remember, he can only HEAR and FEEL. He can not SEE so getting him back to familar state is mandatory and I would do it like now.

This is a serious situation. This goose has never seen the light of day. It's torture enough to be handicap but he has adapted with the others. To take him away from that is a death sentance. Sound is his only touch with reality and he is beyond upset so he will get very sick and die for sure given the stress of the circumstances.

Sorry to be so harsh but.... get him in a predator proof pen or put him back with his flockmates until you can get something up for him. He needs to hear them as he depends on them. You are right. He needs to FEEL and HEAR them again fast.

Put things back the way they were until you can get him in stationairy environment where he can hear them but be manageable for you.

Poor thing, he is probably scared to death, stressed 24/7 and beyond depressed.

 

[GracieNut]

I feel like a schmuck. I feel HORRIBLE! I am going to talk to her tomorrow.

 

[NYRIR]

Oh my goodness! That is so sad

GracieNut....you didn't realize so don't beat yourself up! Just try,try,try to get him back ASAP! I would not have known that either....so don't feel alone..that you care how he is acting now says you truly do care about his well-being and that if you had known you would NEVER have given him away in the first place! I think ellenmartin has a great plan and seems to know what she's talking about.I would suggest following her advice on the permanent enclosure if possible with a buddy. Hope it works out for you....let us know if you get him back!

 

[NYRIR]

double post...sorry

 

[GracieNut]

He is coming home tonight.

I just hope that my other 2 accept him back.

 

[ellenmartin]

You were just trying to relieve some of the pressure on yourself - it's understandable. Animals are hard to manage and it gets overwhelming sometimes.

Thank GOD - they will accept him back - they are as used to him and he is to them...... sorry, they're like people you just can't separate sometimes.... we depend on each other and when things change it is extremely upsetting and sometimes to the point that people actually die they are so upset.

Settle him in and get back to a routine with him. You'll find a manageable situation, he depends on you. Just remember, he needs to hear and feel the others around. Hearing is the most important though. Let him settle in and if he gets back to normal do not make another change too soon on him. Gradually set up a close by but smaller more manageable pen or something you can move with him in it less often on new grass or something and let him get in it during the days....

Remember, he is blind so if AT ALL you do put him in a new structure, be sure it is super super predator proof because he can not SEE It coming.....

Good luck and keep us posted on the progress can't wait to hear!

 

[NYRIR]

Quote:
Yay!

Let us know how it goes!

 

[GracieNut]

Well, Goose is home, he was placed into the goose house this evening, where he immediately went over to his bucket, washed his face, got something to eat, and then stumbled into the indoor part of the house, all the while yelling goose expletives at me and warning me about what would happen should I EVER pull something like that again. The other two seemed happy to see him. I feel good, Goose feels good, and all is right in the world. Well... mine anyway.

One thing I am worried about is that his eyes are watery. What would cause this? They weren't like that when he left here, so is it possible he was allergic to something at his 'other' home? Is there anything I can do about it, or should I just wait it out and see what happens?

 

[ellenmartin]

Post new topic "WATERY EYES" and see what they say.....

He could not have had access or known where or when to wash his face.... could be anything, tears, stress.... or something more medical. See what others say and you make the call. Don't be too hasty to treat medically unless it gets worse or doesn't get better now he's HOME.

Good thing is things are back to normal - dodged a bullet there by immediate action. Know that like your baby there, he depends on you just the same, he is handicapped and needs your devotion and attention even moreso - just like a child. He can't talk but would definitely say Thank God you're caring for me, without you I would die and I want to live what life I can it's my only shot at it and I didn't choose to be this way I'm a victim and I hate to be a burdeon but I need help. He will be a good goose and you will be rewarded for showing kindness and compassion and caring even ever so sometimes difficult for one of God's chosen creatures. He was gifted the gift of life to survive despite his difference and handicap. He is very special in more ways than you know.

FYI to others - when any animal is handicaped and adapting - DO NOT CHANGE THINGS. They can not adapt to change very well if at all.