Gander getting clumsy!?

[farmdude]

A few years ago I took in a pair of Africian geese. I have no idea how old they were/are. The male has been getting progressively clumsy over the past year. It has gotten to the point he looks drunk. He eats and drinks well. Is it just old age? Not sure what to do? Any ideas?

 

[Miss Lydia]

A few years ago I took in a pair of Africian geese. I have no idea how old they were/are. The male has been getting progressively clumsy over the past year. It has gotten to the point he looks drunk. He eats and drinks well. Is it just old age? Not sure what to do? Any ideas?

I started to say maybe something he ate but you say it's been go on over a year, so that isn't it. You know as we age especially the older we get our balance can get off, I'm wondering if you could look at his ears. Sometimes inner ear infections and the like can cause balance problems, Not knowing their age doe make it hard, is he eating and doing other goosey things with in normal?

 

[farmdude]

This has been very gradual over the past year. He sees, hears, eats and drinks normally. He has always been very vocal. He has just gotten more and more clumsy over the past year. He trips when walking and wobbles when standing. He doesn't seem stressed or unhappy. He hasn't been breeding with his mate since I got him a few years ago. I just assumed he was older than her. He is a sweet boy.

 

[Miss Lydia]

This has been very gradual over the past year. He sees, hears, eats and drinks normally. He has always been very vocal. He has just gotten more and more clumsy over the past year. He trips when walking and wobbles when standing. He doesn't seem stressed or unhappy. He hasn't been breeding with his mate since I got him a few years ago. I just assumed he was older than her. He is a sweet boy.

As long as nothing else has changed then I'd just keep an eye on him as you are probably doing. Unless you have the means to try a vet. I use Poultry Nutri Drench every 3 days in their water just to help give mine a little extra boost I have some ducks that are up in years, 8yrs. and going on 8yrs. so I feel they need a little extra attention. Also try using some Apple cider vinegar in the water 1 Tab. per gallon. You know geese can live up to 30 years.

 

[farmdude]

Thanks, I start the apple cidar vinegar today.

 

[Oregon Blues]

It could be something like a pinched nerve in his spine.

In dogs, staggering around looking drunk would either be deterioration of the spine or an inner ear problem. I'm not sure how that would translate to geese, but old age does not normally cause staggering around like a drunk.

If you can find an avian specialist vet and are willing to spend the money, I suggest a vet visit for him. Personally, I think that taking a goose to a dog/cat vet is a waste of money, but if you can locate a vet who specializes in birds, it would be worth having a vet take a look at him.

 

[farmdude]

It could be something like a pinched nerve in his spine.

In dogs, staggering around looking drunk would either be deterioration of the spine or an inner ear problem. I'm not sure how that would translate to geese, but old age does not normally cause staggering around like a drunk.

If you can find an avian specialist vet and are willing to spend the money, I suggest a vet visit for him. Personally, I think that taking a goose to a dog/cat vet is a waste of money, but if you can locate a vet who specializes in birds, it would be worth having a vet take a look at him.

Very good advice. I'll start asking around. Pretty much just Farm animal vets or dog & cat vets around here.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Hey farmdude any news on your gander? how is he doing?

 

[farmdude]

He is the same.

 

[Yetti]

Have you wormed him lately? some worms give off nerve agents that cause that kinds of stumbling and paralysis you describe. I would start there myself.