Goose just seems "tired", what to do for her?

[Sunny Side Up]

My beautiful Embden goose Gertrude (seen in my avatar photo) has got my boys a bit concerned. She is half of our original pair, and is 4 or 5 years old I think.

My boys are concerned because to them she seems tired, a bit lethargic, lacking in the pep the other girl geese have. She let the boys walk right up to her and pick her up, something she hasn't done before.

I examined her closely tonight and she looks fine. Every part of her body looks as it should, nothing visible is amiss. She usually is the one of the group who will sit when the others are standing. In addition to Elmer, our original gander, we have 4 of their grown children, 1 gander & 3 geese, 6 in total.

It's laying season, could she be a bit worn out from making eggs? Could she be considering going broody?

Is there any kind of supplement, vitamin, tonic, etc, that could only help enhance her health, that wouldn't harm her if she really didn't need it?

We love our geese so much, of all our poultry we love them the best, and especially our dear Gertie. I appreciate your input on this matter, thank you!

 

[The goose girl]

My goose sometimes seems a bit tired and passive during laying season. She'll just stand around, not honking, not accepting treats, not wanting to go anywhere. She has me worried sick every time, but it only lasts for about half a day. Then all of a sudden she'll be her usual self again.

 

[Sunny Side Up]

Thank you for the reassuring words, is that your goose in the avatar? What a dear! Gertrude seemed more perky this morning so the boys & I are reassured. With my animals I try to keep observant, to know what normal behavior looks like so I can readily spot anything unusual. I also try to learn what all their parts look like when they're healthy, so I can notice symptoms if they begin to ail.

While she showed no abnormal symptoms, her behavior was of concern. I want to be proactive if there is anything we could be giving to her that would be to her benefit and keep her at her best.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

You can offer her poultry drench to boost her system. The heat could be having something to do with it. Cold melon helps around here as well as misting sprinklers and changing the pools mid day with cool water.

 

[The goose girl]

Yes, that's my goose in the avatar - from when she was a big baby, sitting on my lap and biting anything within sight.

I think CelticOaksFarm may have a point. I hadn't noticed your location - where I am we're thrilled to have reached 61 degrees today.

I hope your beautiful Gertrude stays well.