gander mating with ducks

[KathyR]

Hi

I had a small flock of ducks which were being harrassed by hawks. I was told to get a gander to protect them. So two years ago I bought an African gander and 6 Welsh Harlequin ducklings, all day old. So Gus (gander) was raised with the babies and them put out with the rest of the flock. Now the problem. I noticed lately a couple of the ducks are limping but didn't know what happened to them. Well, two days ago I saw Gus having his way with two of the ducks, almost drowning one of them. I hate to get rid of him, and think he would be heartbroken being seperated from his girls, together for two years now. I thought of getting a goose for him but really don't want to go there if I can help it. Does anyone have experience with this happening? Any suggestions?

Kathy

 

[conny63malies]

even if you buy some geese for him it might be too late to change him. He was raised with ducks and in his mind he probaby thinks he is a duck. So we might not like the geese.

 

[KathyR]

Maybe I should think about finding him a home. I hate to do it. It wouldn't be the same around here without his honking.

 

[conny63malies]

Quote:
you can try, its worth a shot. i sure hope he would accept them as a part of his flock. if he accepts them you can move him and his girls or the ducks to a different area. If he ignores them you just have some more geese. JUst make sure when you get them to introduce them slowly , maybe through a fence .

 

[KathyR]

Gus is the first gander I've had. I never thought I would be having these problems. I am going to start looking for a girl for him, or find him a good home with others of his kind. I don't have a lot of choices here. Thanks for your input.

Kathy