Goose attitude problem solved!!

[erinszoo]

So, we've been having a problem with our goose's attitude. She's been attacking everyone and everything at times, even inanimate objects. We tried separating the geese from the chickens, giving them their own space and much more of it, and a lot more grazing time. She seemed to mellow some with that but she was still hissing and running after all of us at times.

But my husband solved the problem.

Anytime she approaches us hissing with her head down and trying to bite us, he started picking her up. By last weekend she had quit hissing at him altogether. So I started picking her up too, And it worked!!!

We're not sure why it worked though. We had tried everything the books tell you to do like moving towards them and saying "no", holding them down until they settle down, etc ... with no luck. EVerything just made her more angry. But picking her up and talking to her softly has done the trick. It's so much nicer to not have to fight with her everytime I go out in the yard!!!

 

[zzGypsy]

not sure exactly why either, but my suspicion is that she's getting it that you're the BIG goose and she doesn't really stand a chance of besting you. when animals try to dominate us, what puts a stop to that in general is making clear in their language that you're dominant to them. once the new pecking order is clearly established, and they've tried their challenges without success, many animals will accept their new place in line and that's that. others, well, they're upwardly moblie and have to try you from time to time. repeating the lesson when they do will work for a time.

sometimes things happen that cause them to make another try for the top - sexual maturity, breeding season, having a nest or goslings to protect - so it may not stay calm forever, but now you know what works with this goose.

good job!

 

[TennesseeTruly]

We did the same thing with our Peter, a Sebastopol. Our problem started beause we spoiled him rotten and then expected him to act like a goose. Well he did, and attacked us. We would pick him up, I would hold him tight to my body and walk around woth him, talking to him the whole time. He's fine now.