Goose Behavior...Good or Bad?

[imanangelsmom]

I am new to goose ownership. I bought a 8 week old Chinese White (female I believe) goose to use as a guard goose for my chickens. The breeder put her in with chicks after she was hatched, no other geese, so she was used to being with chickens when I got her. I interact with her daily. I am curious about her behavior with me and wonder if it is beginning aggression or acceptance. She does come looking and calling for me when the chickens are not where they should be while free ranging. At night before I put her in the run she enjoys eating some grains out of my hand or in a small can that I hold for her. In the mornings, I let her out of the run (the hens stay inside to lay). She flaps her wings, stretches and whistles. I bend down to her level and we have a loud "good morning" conversation. Sometimes she will get close and bite at my hair. Other times she will walk up to me and pull/bite at my pants legs. No hissing or stretching of the neck. She doesn't like to be petted so if I reach to her she will step just out of reach. If I do pick her up she will struggle, flap wings, scratch, until she realizes she can't get away and I will talk calmly and pet her. She whistles a little frustratingly while I pet her. Anyway, the biting of the pants can get overly enthusiastic and I worry that it is more aggression than possibly "grooming a friend" behavior. She has not pinched hard yet but I am well aware that she can leave a nasty bruise or worse. So not knowing much at all about geese...I am appreciative of any goose owner experience anyone might share.

 

[Goosebaby]

Goslings love chewing on their favorite person/parent. Mine are doing that to me right now, it’s their way of socializing. They don’t really know their own strength so they do get over enthusiastic and they can give a good pinch. I like rubbing their beaks when they do it to remind them of appropriate pressure.
It isn’t aggression, just play.

 

[imanangelsmom]

Good to know, thank you for your reply!