Gander depression? PTSD?

[geezer gander]

I've raised geese for many years but getting older now I've let my flock dwindle until there was only a Buff pair left. About two years ago the female died and though the lone gander grieved he seemed to come through it and be able to enjoy his life again (with two goats and two donkeys, pasture, pond, TLC from us humans, etc). A couple days ago a bobcat turned up in the pasture freaking everybody out, but particularly the gander. He has seemed deeply depressed since then--won't come out of the barn at all, lies in a corner, head pointed down, doesn't seem to eat or drink, not bathing--a total change in behavior. He lets us stroke him and be with him but he's totally listless. We're not sure if the bobcat chased him at some point before we were aware of it, but he doesn't seem to have any injuries--no blood, broken feathers, etc.

Any advice? Getting him another mate has come to mind but we would want another older goose that hopefully wouldn't out live him by much. Does anyone have experience putting older geese together? Would they be able to bond? At least get along? Is this even a good idea?

Thanks in advance for any help!

 

[HeritageGoose13]

Trauma can do this to a bird. Sometimes it causes them to become sick or even die. I think your gander definitely needs to be with another goose.

If you want an older goose for free, check out your local parks, especially ones in small cities. Odds are you will find old, dumped geese that are tame and used to being hand-fed. They are easier to catch than you would think. Bring a towel to wrap them up in and restrain their wings while you grab them.

A lone goose will bond to other geese almost immediately, so you don't have to worry about them not getting along. It does not matter if the goose is a male or female, the gander will bond to it anyway. Having an equal male:female ratio is only important if you have a flock, because then the males would fight over females. Two ganders will live together amicably.

In the meantime, try giving your gander some treats to perk him up. They like weeds, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash/zuchinni, pumpkin, watermelon rinds... etc.

 

[geezer gander]

Thank you--this is very helpful, especially the part about probably bonding easily and no matter male or female.

Will just a little time help him? How long would be enough to tell that he really needs a buddy?

 

[HeritageGoose13]

He does not need time. Really, the sooner he gets another goose, the better. Geese are like sheep- happier in a flock.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I've raised geese for many years but getting older now I've let my flock dwindle until there was only a Buff pair left. About two years ago the female died and though the lone gander grieved he seemed to come through it and be able to enjoy his life again (with two goats and two donkeys, pasture, pond, TLC from us humans, etc). A couple days ago a bobcat turned up in the pasture freaking everybody out, but particularly the gander. He has seemed deeply depressed since then--won't come out of the barn at all, lies in a corner, head pointed down, doesn't seem to eat or drink, not bathing--a total change in behavior. He lets us stroke him and be with him but he's totally listless. We're not sure if the bobcat chased him at some point before we were aware of it, but he doesn't seem to have any injuries--no blood, broken feathers, etc.

Any advice? Getting him another mate has come to mind but we would want another older goose that hopefully wouldn't out live him by much. Does anyone have experience putting older geese together? Would they be able to bond? At least get along? Is this even a good idea?

Thanks in advance for any help!

If your in North Carolina there is Carolina Water fowl they do adoptions and have many geese of all ages. I don't know what age your gander is but I gave my 5 yrs old gander back in 2012 a female Toulouse goose and they are like 2 peas in a pod usually just a few days to get to know each other through fencing and they should be fine.

Are you sure the Bob cat hasn't injured your gander.? you looked him over real good? of course there would be blood but maybe some other way he is injured from fear?

 

[Carrosaur]

I lost my first goose Pear to some kind of attack while I was out of town. I came back and she was doing exactly what you described, but upon closer inspection she had blood all over her. She died over night.