Flock update - (spoiler alert.. happy, healthy and poopin')

[Andrea PNW]

Hi duck parent family! I'm now a 4yr duck mom thanks to this group! Wanted to let y'all know that my Heathers flock + the Indian runners that included my first drake (Lionel) is all good and we got through all his first spring randy rape-y ick just fine.

I managed through about a solid month of either 1. holding him like a football in the crook of my arm while I was going about my business in the garden or 2. flip him on his back and hold him under my chin for a couple of minutes and stroke his belly until he was properly emasculated.

Some of the ladies fight over him, some mostly tolerate his physical needs (and I do step in as needed) but overall - he's been a pretty sweet drake. He's always trying to break up disputes between the ladies, he's clearly distressed when he loses sight of any lady in his harem and when he remembers I'm his mom and not one of the Heathers - he wants to be close and have all the bill rubs.

I've kept the eagles at bay with a few deterrents in the yard + my own OCD that isn't practical for this group.

All is well! So now I'm thinking.... Maybe a couple of Sebastopol lady goslings this spring?

Thoughts????

 

[Jenbirdee]

goslings are the best things on earth. definitely get them- if you have space and time.

 

[CHlCKEN]

goslings are the best things on earth. definitely get them- if you have space and time.

Oh no, don’t let me hear that

 

[Jenbirdee]

Oh no, don’t let me hear that

I just have two geese a pair of pilgrims Charlie and Trudy. If I had more land, I would absolutely love to have more geese. As it stands, they have just enough for the two of them to be happy and healthy about 2000 ft.² of their own. Ducks and chickens are separate.
As for time, I believe it’s both important and rewarding to spend a good amount of time with them so they see you as a flock member. I try to spend at least 30 minutes to an hour with them every day. here’s my one article https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/toys-for-pet-geese.79448/

 

[Callender Girl]

I love my chickens and runner ducks, but I LOVE my geese! Gussie and Golly are American Buffs that I got as days-old goslings. They are personable -- sometimes maybe a bit TOO personable -- and entertaining. Go for the goslings!!

All three species roam loose together in the yard, but are housed separately at night.

I enjoyed reading about your duck exploits and your efforts to make Lionel a more civilized gentleman