Gander suddenly stops breeding???

[Cottage Rose]

Have any ideas why a gander would suddenly stop breeding?
I have a 2009 gander that appears to be healthy, eating and acting
normal in every way except I noticed about 4 days ago he stopped breeding.
He has been breeding his geese daily, especially when I fill their
pools with fresh water in the morning but now despite the girls
beckoning him for his service all he does is mount them,
nibble on their heads for a little then just stands on them
and does not attempt to breed them.
It doesn't appear he is breeding them when they're inside for the night
because there are no dirt stains on their backs which is typically what I see
with the white Sebastopols that I have.
I'm not very happy about this.

Got any ideas???

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Not a clue but guess what? I have the same problem. I have a 2008 white gander that is no longer interested in breeding with his female either. I'm so confused. And if YOU don't have the answer, now I'm really confused.

Laurie

 

[kandyg_99]

Mine is doing the same thing, I am not happy about it either.What is up with the geese this year?

 

[Cottage Rose]

I don't know...

first they are breeding and laying in Nov. - Dec. and now this.
I'm starting to wonder if the soy in the feed is screwing them up
because soy has a precursor to estrogen.

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Quote:
And I know this personally about soy because when I went into peri menopause the first thing my doctor told me to do was to eat soy products to lessen the symptoms.

Now my goose that's in with my gander is no longer laying. I'm completely befuddled.

Laurie

 

[ultasol]

I think the replacement of animal protein in feed with soy protein is affecting birds. The problem is it is quite difficult to a) formulate your own rations without ordering several tons at a time b) find all of the ingredients needed to self-formulate smaller amounts without having to have some shipped in (which is expensive). I have compromised,.. I found a good gamebird feed that uses fish based protein and I use that. We will see what happens.

Another thing to do is check the 'operating equipment' to make sure it was damaged during prior usage. Sometimes male geese will get their penis stuck out (unable to retract) which can cause them to get infected and fall off. Make sure your gander still has a phallus by following the procedure for vent sexing. I haven't had it happen, but I've read about phallus problems in geese. Hope something helps!

 

[Golden Valley Farm]

Is he one that you have raised and has been on the same feed you started him out on. How many females do you have him with?

 

[Cottage Rose]

I have not checked up close yet but he does not have a prolapse phallus.
I've had that in two of my Muscovy drakes so I know all about that.
I got him last November and he's in with 2 females.
Prior to stopping he didn't appear to be breeding excessively.
Will ganders slow down to rest if they are breeding too much?

 

[HatTrickSilkies]

Hey Vick,

I would suggest stirring him up a little by putting another gander in with his girls for a day or so while he is alone, in an area right next to them but can't get to them. Although it would mess any specific breeding plans you have for that pen, it might get him going.

Just a thought. I hope he snaps out of for you.

Nikki

 

[Cottage Rose]

Nik he actually has 2 ganders in adjoining pens who he sometimes spars thru the fence with...
but you've given me an idea...maybe I will just separate him from his girls for a few days
to see if that makes him good n' horny.