Geese & Rain

[sk990]

It's pouring outside, should I put my 2-month old Embdens in their house? They didn't seem to mind about the rain, but I'm a little worried. Also, is it ok if i let them sleep outside in the backyard at night? They didn't seem to enjoy their house that much.

 

[smileysal]

If they are fully feathered then fine, but if still downy they can get wet and cold, keep an eye on them.
No don't let them sleep outside they will be at risk from predators and you will lose them, insist they go in, they'll soon get used to it!

 

[sk990]

Thank you Sal. Our backyard is fully enclosed with 6ft fence, and there's no wildlife in the community except a few rabbits and some small birds. So predators shouldn't be a concern. Other than that, is there any other reason why I need to keep them in at night? Many thanks for any advices, this is our first time raising geese.

 

[VelvetDragon]

You'd be surprised what "wildlife" shows up when you own prey animals. I would be very surprised if there weren't raccoons or hawks or something else in your neighborhood.

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

Please don't leave your babies out over night unprotected. They need to be locked in a secure house. Racoons can climb fences like you can't believe. What about owls? Please do yourself and your goslings a favor - make sure they are safe each night.

 

[smileysal]

I would agree with velvetdragon, you don't know what's around until it's too late, for their own saftey I would make sure they're locked up by dark.
Another reason is although it's warm now, it's only gonna get colder at night towards the end of the year, better to get them used to the house now than struggle later on.
They should be fairly easy to herd into the house but if you struggle try throwing a bit of corn in to tempt them, pretty soon you'll find that they will start putting themselves to bed or at least be waiting around the door till you come and tell them to go to bed!

 

[sk990]

Thank you all! They're all put to bed now... I just didn't want to force them to do something they didn't like.

 

[VelvetDragon]

They'll get used to it and it'll start to feel safe and cozy to them. Don't worry.

 

[arherp]

Foxes can scale a 10ft fence, raccoons can climb whatever they want, lol!