Goose People-Please advise

[Shiloh Acres]

I wouldn't want to sell a single goose either. She would have to be very dedicated, very long term for it to work out. I do of course find folks who do things VERY differently from the way I do things, and their animals are fine. I know "my way" is not the ONLY way. But I wonder if she really knows what she's getting into. She certainly (IMO) can't work outside the home, or even run frequent errands or have lots of outside social activities when the goose is young. I had to raise three goslings at one time, and even they were EXTREMELY demanding on my time when young. I once had a hen hatch two chicks in the grass and abandon them (never figured out who hatched them in fact) and brooded them. One died and I gave the other one to a home with more chicks so it wouldn't have to be alone. In fact, I've always had the best outcome raising at least four chicks/ducklings/geese together, not three or less.

Just me though. But I think you have to stand by your convictions. Does she understand that a single gosling will need her practically 24/7?

 

[marathonmultiplesmom]

Its easy to spend a lot of time with a new cute gosling but when its a goose or gander, and has huge poops and loud honks... well, are you really going to let it stay inside with you? For a reality check, there is probably a 90% or higher chance that any person who takes a single goose is eventually going to send this gigantic bird outside to live or it may live an indoor/outdoor life. The very social animal will then be lonely and abandoned if/when it goes outside. I would not sell them alone either. Minimum requirement is that they at least have one other bird. Preferably a goose or duck but a chicken or turkey would be acceptable.

I think a bird needs another bird.

 

[luckyclucker]

I had a single gosling for several weeks after her mates got killed by a dog. She was so depressed I could actually see it on her face. When her new buddies arrived she ran to them like they were a mirage in the desert. I just can't imagine they are happy without a flock, even just a little flock.

 

[phasian]

It's lovely to get such thoughtful feedback, especially from long-time goose keepers. Thank you!

As I expressed before, I have no problem respecting my instincts, but am hesitant to impose my own animal keeping beliefs on others, unless they are being grossly negligent or cruel.

After receiving this feedback, I am not going to sell on a single gosling. This gal has no other birds, and no experience with poultry raising. Hopefully, she will find others with resistance to the idea of a gosling on its own, and will make a decision to fulfill her desire to have geese instead of a goose.

 

[Mikanik]

I can't imagine anyone just getting *one* of anything. I have at least two...given the exception of our one gosling, but she has two duckling sisters so in reality she does have a flock that she belongs to. I think this is a great change to educate ...maybe even print of the reasons why two is better than one.

Just MHO.

 

[marathonmultiplesmom]

Quote:
Yes great idea.

 

[luckyclucker]

I think your decision is a good one. I recently adopted 2 ducks and a goose, all of whom had been raised together (a guess, but hard to know as I am the third person to get them). In any case, the two ducks (male and female) do fine together. The goose, however, loves the male duck and uses her superior weight to push the female duck to the side. At the moment this goose is brooding a pile of duck and a few goose eggs. I KNOW the goose eggs haven't been fertilized, but can't figure out how to yank them out from under her.

Why do I share this? Well, it is obvious that ANY time you have a single of a species living with another species you are going to have to deal with some emotional issues. I don't think the human has been born who can give enough emotional sustenance to a single goose. Geese just LOVE their chosen person. They will forsake everyone to be with the one person they bond with (this could be the person who raises them or any subsequent person who catches their fancy). If you stay at home all day long and have lots of time, a single goose might be okay (neurotic,but okay). Otherwise, get a single cat, they will be sleeping when you have to go off to work for 8 plus hours and leave them alone.

 

[ben is a terror]

Why do you think Noah took 2 of each kind. I would love to have 1 goose or 1 duck to be my constant buddy....... I think with their life span I would be being selfish. Just my opinion