Domestic geese hanging out with wild ones. Update: RESCUE SUCCESS

[zzGypsy]

Geese that have their heads low and stretched out (doing their snake imitation) are agressing... if you let them do that, pinching will be next. I usually stand up extend my arms and do my BIG GOOSE walk in their direction - if this doesn't solve it, catch them, pin their wings to their sides, and hold them with their back against your chest and carry them around for a minute or two... this usually convinces them they do NOT want to be messing with you. when you pick them up, mind their wings. if you catch a flapping wing in the nose, you will *not* be happy!

search on Olive Hill's posts, she's got some great info on managing goose behavior.

 

[hockmangirl]

Thank you Darlene and Gypsy for the info! Most likely the behavior stemmed from me being on the ground and at his level. Made him feel like he could get naughty! When I'm standing he runs away if I walk toward him. I think it also means that they are starting to feel more comfortable in their new home. Which is good!

But I will nip that behavior in the bud, if he try's it again. I want them to respect me, but not fear me. Plus, not understanding the meaning of certain behaviors. Which leaves me feeling at a loss, as to how to respond. I appreciate the information so much! So, thank you again!

Kitty

P.S. Tonight the cutest thing happened. The neighbor dogs behind us were raising a ruckus, which in turn was setting off the Geese. I was letting my two little dogs out for their final potty break, when my Chi/Rat Terrier Atreyu heard the Geese going off and ran to the barn. He was trying to figure out what was wrong with the Geese, and what was upsetting them. He was running all over the yard and back and forth to the barn. He wouldn't settle down until I let him in the barn to see that the Geese were okay (through the gate, of course). Once we got the Geese quieted down and he could see that they were okay, he finally came in. He's like that with my chickens to (very protective, he loves his "Sissies"), but he's been around them since they were baby chicks. So sweet to see him that way with HIS "Geesies" now as well. And he hasn't even fully met them yet.

Hopefully the Geese will learn to feel the same way! Ha ha ha!

 

[gryeyes]

I think this is absolutely wonderful and you have really added to my seasonal happiness in a BIG way. Thank you for rescuing those geese!

The dark video is fine for us geese people, because we can see enough of their behavior. They are really quite relaxed in your barn. I love how a couple "talked" to you.

 

[hockmangirl]

Quote:
Aw! Glad I could add to anyone's happiness, especially at this time of year! I am very happy to be able to help them, no being (human, animal, or otherwise) should be left to suffer or walk alone when we have the ability to help!

The video thing is mainly frustrating for me, because I have some REALLY good ones. I just can't get them to upload right now!

And I am a fairly tech saavy person, so it gets on my nerves when my tech starts failing on me. I am glad that all the "geese people" are able to get something out of the dark one at least.

Yes, they seem to be very relaxed in the barn. They are starting to react to the other animals they hear, outside. They honk back at my chickens "clucking and bocking", they've yelled back at my neighbors peacocks, and they really react to the neighborhood dogs. They seem to calm down in my presence when something startles them, and they run towards me now when I bring in their food or pop in to check on them (as long as I don't get too close, or move towards them, I let them come to me). So, I think we're doing well.

Happy Christmas!

Kitty

 

[Miss Lydia]

Quote:
Aw! Glad I could add to anyone's happiness, especially at this time of year! I am very happy to be able to help them, no being (human, animal, or otherwise) should be left to suffer or walk alone when we have the ability to help!

The video thing is mainly frustrating for me, because I have some REALLY good ones. I just can't get them to upload right now!

And I am a fairly tech saavy person, so it gets on my nerves when my tech starts failing on me. I am glad that all the "geese people" are able to get something out of the dark one at least.

Yes, they seem to be very relaxed in the barn. They are starting to react to the other animals they hear, outside. They honk back at my chickens "clucking and bocking", they've yelled back at my neighbors peacocks, and they really react to the neighborhood dogs. They seem to calm down in my presence when something startles them, and they run towards me now when I bring in their food or pop in to check on them (as long as I don't get too close, or move towards them, I let them come to me). So, I think we're doing well.

Happy Christmas!

Kitty

 

[galgo98]

Glad to hear everything went well for the two of you!! I love it when a plan comes together!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

How are the new geese doing?

 

[hockmangirl]

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Doing great!

Grateful I decided to keep them in the barn for a week to give them time to adjust, as we've been having pretty bad wind (and rain) storms here for the past few days. My chickens don't like it much, but the Geese haven't even been fazed by it, being that they're in the barn.

Right now, we are all still getting to know each other. I think they are starting to see me as a permanent part of the whole flock dynamic, just still aren't 100% sure where I fit yet. And they are dealing with some hierarchy issues of their own, as I think the immature Gander is starting to come into his own and is slowly taking over the lead from the one who is a bit older.

I've been sure to let them see me "eat" some of the food, before I give them any. And I am the first to touch the water. If the Gander's try and challenge me, over food, space, etc. I simply show them that I am bigger, broader, and have a greater "wingspan" than they and they back down with no issue. A lot of the time now, they just go about their business with me right by them. I've noticed the Geese have been soaking the hay in their water a lot. Making their own mash, I guess! Ha ha! And they definitely see the barn as their home now. So, I will probably be letting them out to roam around a little (during the day) this weekend. Barring any more storms, of course!

 

[hockmangirl]

Here are some pics from this afternoon...

I had cleaned that pool, not ten minutes before I took these. They made a run for it, and a minute later... mud! Ha ha! What's a Goose Mother to do?!

Other than maybe putting rubber stall mats underneath the pool area, then cover it with bedding. But they seem to really like the mud, so I just keep cleaning and refilling all day long!

 

[zzGypsy]

Quote:
they're called "water fowl" for a reason... or is it "water foul"...

they're looking good. so nice to see.