Goose lost mate...

[Torntogether]

Earlier this week, my gander passed away while guarding his girl who's sitting on the nest. Now I'm at a loss as what to do for her? I'm fairly certain her eggs are close to hatching but she's noticably depressed now. I don't think another friend in her pen is appropriate with goslings on the way. So any recommendations in making her less lonely? I've been sitting with her often and giving her treats and pets. She's very accepting of attention from me, no biting or any aggression which is somewhat unusual for her. She's also a Chinese goose, if that matters. Thanks for any advice!

 

[acceabex]

Others will have much better advice.

I had a goose that lost her sister over the winter. I found a goose/gosling pair and introduced them. They took to each other right away, but no one was sitting. Together the girls made a nest... Then lost the goslings. So I added three new goslings. The only rub is that the geese are mad the goslings are in a separate area. I just don't trust the gander yet. But the geese won't leave the babies and hiss at me anytime I come close. They bonded immediately.

Geese do make friends with other geese much better than I ever would have imagined and are very accepting of new ones (on average). They really do need to be with another goose... But do be careful. My "other goose" escalated to 5... and someone said chicken math was bad.

 

[TSOWOATNKC]

I started with three geese, and have seven now. Goose math is hard.

 

[Torntogether]

Oh I know all about bird math in general and if all her eggs hatch, one goose will turn into 7 .

 

[Miss Lydia]

I wouldn't try and introduce a mate for her while she is sitting. How much longer before hatch.?

Just keep up with what your doing once gosling hatch she will be a busy mama. But please don't leave them out at night. What ever killed your gander will be back.

 

[Torntogether]

I'm thinking by the end of next week at the latest. No worries about being left out, she'll be watched and put up at night. I'm thinking she will be okay once she's got babies to tend to. I figured I'd introduce another mate closer to Winter, if I don't just allow her to keep at least two offspring.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Good plan please let us know when hatching starts!!
and very sorry for your loss.