Gender question?

[millerspoultry]

These are my first geese and I am uncertain on their gender.I have had them since they were 1 week old. I know I have one goose because I have gotten 3 eggs so far. I have watched their actions and still don't know if one is possibly a gander or not. I am hoping someone with more experience can help.

 

[Conan]

Geese are tough to sex, that's for sure. The best way to tell gender (as adults) that I've found is to closely watch their behavior. Does one sound the alarm more than the other? When they nap, does one stand guard? Of course, they will also start mating soon if you have a pair, though I have sure seen my fair share of same sex mating behavior when there is not a male around.

If you have other waterfowl, that can help decipher their gender as well. I have noticed that my goose hangs out with my duck hens a lot more than my gander. If one of them is off on their own, it's him.

Sorry that I can't be of more help. Hopefully someone with tons of goose experience comes along with better information.

 

[millerspoultry]

Thank you for the reply. I have tried to pay close attention and one does seem to be more watchful while the other one is eating or napping. Sometimes they sound the same and other times they sound different. I will just keep watching and see which one or if both are laying. I know one has started building a nest. Again thanks for the help.

 

[Conan]

Thank you for the reply. I have tried to pay close attention and one does seem to be more watchful while the other one is eating or napping. Sometimes they sound the same and other times they sound different. I will just keep watching and see which one or if both are laying. I know one has started building a nest. Again thanks for the help.

Oh, and courting behavior should start soon too! Maybe that will help determine gender. I've seen some pretty funny things done by ganders to impress their ladies.