Gosling troubles - 2 Sebs.

[Windsor]

All was well until today. The male got chilled a bit, brought the pair in and put them under a light. We put dry straw bedding in with some hand pulled grass and a bowl of water. After awhile he began to warm up and started to respond somewhat better. But, he shakes his head A LOT. He's eating and drinking on his own. Rests quite a bit.

The girl, well, she eats like a horse! Then she started doing something with her mouth and tongue, and drinking a good bit of water. I figured somthing might be caught in her throat, but using a light, I saw mothing in the back of the mouth. She also spewed all the water she just drank when I did this. After a few hours, I went back and found she was in about the same condition. When I looked at her, I could see through her skin a bit and it seems her throat and gullet are full of air!

They are about 3-4 weeks old, no feathers. Hatched/raised by their mothers. We've had them for a week. I gave them soem starter feed from the seller this afternoon for the first time - too much protien perhaps? I've had them on straight grass. Any ideas? When goats get digestion trouble, I feed them baking soda. Would that be alright?

Thanks in advance

Mike

 

[Windsor]

UPDATE

They are both better this morning. I gave the female about a teaspone of baking soda - dry and she gobbled up quite a bit. The male is up and walking and eating. Keeping them in til it's dry and warm outside...

W

 

[bookerdog]

congrats I hope they do great.

 

[Lamar Estate]

I'm not a goose expert, but maybe some vitamin/mineral/probiotics in their water may help. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt. If you have a Tractor Supply Store near you, they sell a packet called Sav-A-Chick.

 

[Windsor]

Howwdy;

Still doing okay. Found out today he's about two days younger than the girl. IF the weather is warm and dry again tomorrow, they can go out for a bit.

Still inside with a lamp on, mostly at night. I bring them freshly pulled grass to nibble on and hand feed them fruit bits. I also give them fresh goat milk and yogurt!

Next trip into town I'll look for that vitamin/probiotics.

 

[countrychix]

Windsor, glad to hear your youngsters are doing better. But, your geese nibble grass? My 10 day old goslings literally throw themselves into the HUGE pan of grass I give them a minimum of 3 times a day. They holler and make all kinds of a ruskus whenever they feel that they need more grass. They just can't seem to get enough, but with soaking rains 24/7 there's only so much I feel like picking, plus I don't know at what point they might actually explode.

They do have waterfowl starter at all times, which they eat only IF they have nothing better...like more grass!

 

[Windsor]

Yes, I was putting in a good deal of grass. We changed their water several times a day, gave them some crumble too. I even used cut grass for their bedding.

Sad thing is, this afternoon, he died.

And he seemed fine last night to me, and the children said he was eating and walking around this morning and afternoon. They were out in the sun after lunch on grass by some shrubs. She's fine, just missing him. The children put her with the turkey poults (hope this isn't bad.)

So, when should I look at getting another goose/gander for the female? She's about a month old.

Thanks

Mike

 

[TennesseeTruly]

Mike where are you located? I have some males.

Laurie

 

[countrychix]

Mike, so sorry to hear that your little guy died.

I would start looking for a new gosling right away so she doesn't get too lonely (for another goose's company).

 

[Lamar Estate]

I'm really sorry to hear about that. It's always so heartbreaking.

I hope your female isn't too lonely.

Please give her a kiss and gentle squeeze from us in Minnesota.

Sincerely,
Amanda