Gaggle of Chinese Ostracizing a Roman Tufted - Help!

[SarahTsu]

Well if Tula ends up being goose instead of gander will you keep her? that's exactly what I was talking about what you saw. Especially at this time of year ganders are really becoming protective. Is Tula voice low pitched? because ganders pitch is very high and eat splitting. lol

P.S. thank you for the compliment, look at Sam my white Embden very much the gander pose and Babe my young Toulouse gander standing right next to him much of the time Babe is standing with his head just like Sams The 2 girls in normal goose stance. You know you don't really need a gander unless you plan on hatching gosling to sell. You'll still get plenty of eggs from your girls that aren't with the Chinese gander. Hows the Pom doing?

Even though Tula has been with us for a short while, we really love her. She is very likely a goose.

We've taken Juhy and Tula outdoors 3 days ago. Both she and Juhy share the same swim space, but every time Juhy gets in the water, Tula comes out of the water. She stays away from Juhy for most of the day. Neither are aggressive toward the other. But Tula keeps trying to go on the other side of the fence to join the Chinese and Pom. Today she'd flown over the fence - they didn't mind her at a distance, but pecked at her when she got near during eating. In the evening Tula and Juhy went into a separate coop. Not sure if I'm doing the right thing keeping Tula; maybe she's not happy here.

Pom is happy and doing well. She's the most bashful of them all and is last in the line of attack I think I'm beginning to take notice of the subtle differences in goose/gander anatomy and behavior. The idea of getting a gander was only to keep Juhy company. The others haven't taken a liking to her yet = not hopeful that it will happen soon.

 

[SarahTsu]

You have 4 geese in the shed at night only? The Book of Geese by Dave Holderread says for geese housed at night the space should be 7.5-10Sq' per goose. My goose house is 77X52 for 4 geese. As far as the fake eggs I only put them in their to encourage her to continue to lay because I would take her eggs all but a couple and I wanted her to see a good amount in her nest which I kept at around 8 I didn't want her to go looking for another place to lay, she is always snooping around in the other houses but I don't want her laying in them because the chickens and ducks have to use them. This year they won't get to hatch so I'll most likely let her keep the fake eggs to sit. I don't know if they get depressed but hopefully once she goes broody she'll be finished with breeding. My Muscovy's which are brood alcoholics went broody last year and I didn't let them hatch anything and they lived through it fine lol Some even brooded on nothing. crazy things.

I'm glad you finally checked in I was beginning to worry something was wrong with Juhy again. So what's going on with Tula? going to keep her if female?

What do you want your geese for Sarah do you want to hatch and raise gosling for the sheer pleasure of adding to your flock or do you want to hatch to sale for food for others or to sale to make money? If you only want to add to your flock and enjoy seeing your geese naturally raise their goslings then let your geese do it for you, what your seeing is your goose is practicing she will continue to lay and eventually she'll go broody. Missy did this last year and i got ahead of the game and had Iain Utah send me eggs and she didn't go broody till about a month later. So mark each egg you can put date or 1- but that way when your goose finally commits then take out the oldest till you are happy with the amount she is going to sit. WE make the decision on how many we let them hatch not them because we may not have the space to house 10-15 geese. They won't start to develop until she is sitting 24/7. Oh and I'd take the nest boxes up they don't need them, if you give them plenty of shavings or straw or what ever you use they will make their own nest and your boxes won't be taking up much needed room. Is your Chinese laying her eggs in the nest box? Candling is a blast getting to see that lil gosling grow and begin to move around is just wonderful.

I'll have to get a copy of the book, it's on my wishlist for now. I'd thought the closer they huddle at night, the warmer they stay. Need to work on getting them adequate housing soon! Might have to get a Muscovy, too - at some point in the future.

REALLY glad to report that Juhy is doing well. She's active and vocal. She's even started to eat her greens. They all love romaine lettuce and carrots. Tula is still not adjusted here. She was in an entirely outdoor environment in a large pond with 3 other geese, ducks, and wild birds. She's flying out of the fence often. Maybe she's homesick and misses her family. Perhaps older birds that have already bonded with others can't be plucked up and paired with another bird - I don't know much to speak definitively on this topic - but just my thought on it based on observation. Tula is very social, but going inside a coop is not part of what she thinks to do naturally. She'd been going into the dog kennel just fine on her own while inside the house, so there was hope that she'd received some training for it - but in the outdoors she's trying her best not to go inside any housing. I feel bad for her. I'd love for her to join the family, but at the same time I don't want to be selfish and make her miserable. I wonder what she'd tell me if she could speak human. It might be best for her to join her old pals.

Will the same dilemma occur with an adult gander? If he's already bonded with other geese, can he be placed into a new environment and expect to adjust with a new goose?
I want Juhy to be happy, but need a peaceful solution that won't cause harm, rather be a win-win for both birds.

The purpose of having geese is for the pleasure - and the yummy eggs. No plans to sell for food or money. Perhaps when the geese are a bit older they can hatch. If I keep taking her eggs and leave her nothing will that be OK? Or is it necessary to leave some so she's not frazzled trying to lay more? Are fake eggs advised to keep egg production in check? I've got straw bedding for them and clear out the soiled part and put new every other day. The Chinese do use the boxes to lay eggs and hide them well with piles of straw. Is there a good candler for goose eggs? I've read they're tougher than other eggs and harder to look into - so many choices on ebay and amazon - mind boggling!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'll have to get a copy of the book, it's on my wishlist for now. I'd thought the closer they huddle at night, the warmer they stay. Need to work on getting them adequate housing soon! Might have to get a Muscovy, too - at some point in the future.

REALLY glad to report that Juhy is doing well. She's active and vocal. She's even started to eat her greens. They all love romaine lettuce and carrots. Tula is still not adjusted here. She was in an entirely outdoor environment in a large pond with 3 other geese, ducks, and wild birds. She's flying out of the fence often. Maybe she's homesick and misses her family. Perhaps older birds that have already bonded with others can't be plucked up and paired with another bird - I don't know much to speak definitively on this topic - but just my thought on it based on observation. Tula is very social, but going inside a coop is not part of what she thinks to do naturally. She'd been going into the dog kennel just fine on her own while inside the house, so there was hope that she'd received some training for it - but in the outdoors she's trying her best not to go inside any housing. I feel bad for her. I'd love for her to join the family, but at the same time I don't want to be selfish and make her miserable. I wonder what she'd tell me if she could speak human. It might be best for her to join her old pals.

Will the same dilemma occur with an adult gander? If he's already bonded with other geese, can he be placed into a new environment and expect to adjust with a new goose?
I want Juhy to be happy, but need a peaceful solution that won't cause harm, rather be a win-win for both birds.

The purpose of having geese is for the pleasure - and the yummy eggs. No plans to sell for food or money. Perhaps when the geese are a bit older they can hatch. If I keep taking her eggs and leave her nothing will that be OK? Or is it necessary to leave some so she's not frazzled trying to lay more? Are fake eggs advised to keep egg production in check? I've got straw bedding for them and clear out the soiled part and put new every other day. The Chinese do use the boxes to lay eggs and hide them well with piles of straw. Is there a good candler for goose eggs? I've read they're tougher than other eggs and harder to look into - so many choices on ebay and amazon - mind boggling!

Sam was over 5 yrs old and very bonded to a Muscovy duck when I brought Missy in and he adjusted and fell in love so I think a gander would adjust fine with another goose
especially since breeding season is just starting up. To me the best time is now because of that. You maybe right Tula being use to a crowd might prefer being with the others. Females can live happily with each other though. Remember though bringing in a gander you'll have to deal with aggression and will need to be prepared for that. It's only natural for a gander to act this way but it's very important we teach them they cannot bully us or bite us.
I'm so happy to hear Juhy is doing so well, most ganders only like 2 females and sometimes won't even accept a second one. so probably why Pom isn't accepted in the group. Have you tried putting Pom and Tula and Juhy in same place together? And then you most likely will have to keep both ganders separate during breeding season to keep them from fighting.
As far as eggs don't take all her eggs that way she'll keep laying in the same place. and using a nest box is fine I have just never had any for my water fowl although some of my Muscovy's will lay in the chicken s nest boxes. I would leave a few fake and a few of her own in the nest then take the rest for eating. Some take all eggs and their geese keep laying an egg some as many as 60 so you'll be eating goose eggs for quite some time. and they are so good. I used them in brownies and omelets and cornbread. Yesterday we did this for our 2 in their house so they could have their own space for laying Muscovy's checking out the new laying area. lol this is inside the goose house. Training any animal to go inside for their own protection takes time but if you keep Tula she'll learn eventually she needs to go inside for her own good. You just have to keep at it. All my animals go inside of a night with me just walking behind to close the doors. they learn pretty fast. Oh and I use a small LED flash light to candle I got it at TSC. never had a candler just go into a dark room and use a good LED light and you can see into a goose egg fine.

 

[SarahTsu]

Sam was over 5 yrs old and very bonded to a Muscovy duck when I brought Missy in and he adjusted and fell in love so I think a gander would adjust fine with another goose
especially since breeding season is just starting up. To me the best time is now because of that. You maybe right Tula being use to a crowd might prefer being with the others. Females can live happily with each other though. Remember though bringing in a gander you'll have to deal with aggression and will need to be prepared for that. It's only natural for a gander to act this way but it's very important we teach them they cannot bully us or bite us.
I'm so happy to hear Juhy is doing so well, most ganders only like 2 females and sometimes won't even accept a second one. so probably why Pom isn't accepted in the group. Have you tried putting Pom and Tula and Juhy in same place together? And then you most likely will have to keep both ganders separate during breeding season to keep them from fighting.
As far as eggs don't take all her eggs that way she'll keep laying in the same place. and using a nest box is fine I have just never had any for my water fowl although some of my Muscovy's will lay in the chicken s nest boxes. I would leave a few fake and a few of her own in the nest then take the rest for eating. Some take all eggs and their geese keep laying an egg some as many as 60 so you'll be eating goose eggs for quite some time. and they are so good. I used them in brownies and omelets and cornbread. Yesterday we did this for our 2 in their house so they could have their own space for laying Muscovy's checking out the new laying area. lol this is inside the goose house. Training any animal to go inside for their own protection takes time but if you keep Tula she'll learn eventually she needs to go inside for her own good. You just have to keep at it. All my animals go inside of a night with me just walking behind to close the doors. they learn pretty fast. Oh and I use a small LED flash light to candle I got it at TSC. never had a candler just go into a dark room and use a good LED light and you can see into a goose egg fine.

The idea of introducing a gander - if at all, is mainly out of concern for Juhy. She was reintroduced with the rest, but not accepted. I was hoping Tula and Juhy would be friends. Already tried keeping Juhy, Tula and Pom together. Pom tries desperately to get back with the Chinese. So, in the end Juhy is all alone.

The place where Tula has come from do not want any more goslings. They had to give some away last year. So, we might get the actual gander. If they let us keep Tula and the gander, hoping Juhy will be accepted. She is so gentle and elegant. What's the best way to keep ganders separate during breeding season? Do they need separate housing and swim areas? Do Sam and Babes get along outside of breeding season? They look like friends - all four of them hanging out. Thank you for sharing the picture of the goose house - it gives me a good idea of how to provide good housing for the lovable noisy ones.

 

[Miss Lydia]

The idea of introducing a gander - if at all, is mainly out of concern for Juhy. She was reintroduced with the rest, but not accepted. I was hoping Tula and Juhy would be friends. Already tried keeping Juhy, Tula and Pom together. Pom tries desperately to get back with the Chinese. So, in the end Juhy is all alone.

The place where Tula has come from do not want any more goslings. They had to give some away last year. So, we might get the actual gander. If they let us keep Tula and the gander, hoping Juhy will be accepted. She is so gentle and elegant. What's the best way to keep ganders separate during breeding season? Do they need separate housing and swim areas? Do Sam and Babes get along outside of breeding season? They look like friends - all four of them hanging out. Thank you for sharing the picture of the goose house - it gives me a good idea of how to provide good housing for the lovable noisy ones.

So far I am not having any problems with Sam the oldest gander and Babe just 8 months old I sure hope i don't either. But most people just put them into separate areas they may still fight through fencing though Honestly someone else will have to give you ideas, Some may even just let them work out their differences. Main thing is the ganders have their own girls which yours would,I have the problem with my Muscovy Drakes I have to keep 2 completely separated from the other 2 drakes or my one drake is constantly after him, Thank goodness I can do this. That would be so cool if you got the gander when will you know? Yes separate housing during breeding season and separate kiddy pool I have the largest they make for mine and all 4 can get into it. This is my first year with 2 gander and 2 females so we'll just have to see how this is going to work.

 

[Miss Lydia]

So far I am not having any problems with Sam the oldest gander and Babe just 8 months old I sure hope i don't either. But most people just put them into separate areas they may still fight through fencing though Honestly someone else will have to give you ideas, Some may even just let them work out their differences. Main thing is the ganders have their own girls which yours would,I have the problem with my Muscovy Drakes I have to keep 2 completely separated from the other 2 drakes or my one drake is constantly after him, Thank goodness I can do this. That would be so cool if you got the gander when will you know? Yes separate housing during breeding season and separate kiddy pool I have the largest they make for mine and all 4 can get into it. This is my first year with 2 gander and 2 females so we'll just have to see how this is going to work.

I need to edit, yesterday the boys went at it for a few minutes over the tub of water I set out for them Sam pushed and neck shoved Babe actually had his wings open and was beating Sam with them Hopefully that will be the jest of it. The winner was Babe him and Toots took over the tub no mating though, so I had to set up the small kiddy pool for Sam and Missy

 

[SarahTsu]

I need to edit, yesterday the boys went at it for a few minutes over the tub of water I set out for them Sam pushed and neck shoved Babe actually had his wings open and was beating Sam with them Hopefully that will be the jest of it. The winner was Babe him and Toots took over the tub no mating though, so I had to set up the small kiddy pool for Sam and Missy

Aww, they made peace. Hope the four will share nicely. Was it just in the water or did they take the fight inside the coop? Something similar going on with Juhy and the gang. Yesterday all 6 hung out in the yard. No reconciliatory greetings or welcome for Juhy. Things were fine if Juhy or Tula kept their distance. The gander didn't seem to mind Tula as much, but chased Juhy to the farthest corner. They have their roaming space separated by fencing and separate pools. Funny thing is Tula and Juhy want to go over to the other side and the other gang want to go over and hang out on Juhy/Tula's side. They refused to have them around during sleep time. So they went to separate coops at night.

Mr. Gander can't stand Juhy one bit - leading me to question if Juhy is in fact male?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Aww, they made peace. Hope the four will share nicely. Was it just in the water or did they take the fight inside the coop? Something similar going on with Juhy and the gang. Yesterday all 6 hung out in the yard. No reconciliatory greetings or welcome for Juhy. Things were fine if Juhy or Tula kept their distance. The gander didn't seem to mind Tula as much, but chased Juhy to the farthest corner. They have their roaming space separated by fencing and separate pools. Funny thing is Tula and Juhy want to go over to the other side and the other gang want to go over and hang out on Juhy/Tula's side. They refused to have them around during sleep time. So they went to separate coops at night.

Mr. Gander can't stand Juhy one bit - leading me to question if Juhy is in fact male?

How is Juhy acting towards Tula or any of the other females? but in fact ganders will chase off other females too so it's very hard at times to know. They only did the shoving and wing thing when I put out the tub of water Sammy has always hogged it first but Babe wanted it. I think eventually he'll end up being head gander maybe Sam is such a whimp at times. But I'd rather see one back down than fight I get enough of that from my Muscovy drakes. If this wasn't breeding season your Chinese gaggle may have accepted the new one better, but you know the old saying the grass is greener on the other side that is probably why one group wants in to the other groups side.

 

[SarahTsu]

How is Juhy acting towards Tula or any of the other females? but in fact ganders will chase off other females too so it's very hard at times to know. They only did the shoving and wing thing when I put out the tub of water Sammy has always hogged it first but Babe wanted it. I think eventually he'll end up being head gander maybe Sam is such a whimp at times. But I'd rather see one back down than fight I get enough of that from my Muscovy drakes. If this wasn't breeding season your Chinese gaggle may have accepted the new one better, but you know the old saying the grass is greener on the other side that is probably why one group wants in to the other groups side.

Hmm, need to observe more. Thanks for sharing the behavioral patterns - gives me insight to what might be happening here. (The chickens are yet another thing altogether! Need to start a new thread on them asking for suggestions.) Whew! I'm all worn out thinking about it. Gotta go check up on them all. Will let you know soon.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hmm, need to observe more. Thanks for sharing the behavioral patterns - gives me insight to what might be happening here. (The chickens are yet another thing altogether! Need to start a new thread on them asking for suggestions.) Whew! I'm all worn out thinking about it. Gotta go check up on them all. Will let you know soon.

Lots of us have chickens so ask away anytime if you want to pm and keep it off the goose thread, and also great members on the chicken threads too. We all like to talk about our birds.