Goslings of 2014 Hatch-a-long

[Miss Lydia]

Well after all the is she or isn't she broody I think she finally is. I kept waiting for her to come outside so I could go in and scoop the poppy shaving out and finally I opened the door and there Missy sits on a real nest that she has made around her and the eggs. She had 8 as of yesterday. She was very upset with me.

 

[livininbrazil]

Well lets see what these lil steinbachers out come will be XD

Can´t wait!

 

[livininbrazil]

I let them free range together, and the 2 groups stay somewhat close by each other. Jasper isn't as bad at bulling the babies as Snow is. If Snow sees one of the babies in a pool he goes over there, gooses it and then climbs in the pool himself, even if it is way too small for his big fuzzy butt! As soon as the baby gives way to the big boys, the big ones seem happy to have proven they are the boss and peace settles. Jasper and Snow don't chase the babies hissing anymore, it seems more like a dominance issue now. What are your thoughts on this behavior?

Also, the bulling is worse when I first let them out together, after about an hour I will see them napping together. So close they do touch. Snow won't let the babies touch him yet, he usually is behind Japser. But Jasper will be cuddled up right next to Peaces and Cream (the 2 Africans) and Maybel and Jezebelle are behind them.

It´ll get better each day. I doubt they´d be too horrid now. It´s just the size difference, but if you think Snow won´t actually go overboard, they should be ok soon.

If I have a 6 x 11 pen, how many geese can comfortably sleep there? It would just be for overnight safety, not all day as I would let them out first thing in the morning.

Well, theoretically all of them, but it really depends on the geese and any squabbling thjat goes on.

the blood was dime sized and I can't remember if it was veined or not. She was laying every other day.

Well that´s not just a little bit of gunk, then! It certainly sounds like it was developing a good few days....looks like you have a pair, yes. Have fun with your pair!

 

[Starfire669]

It´ll get better each day. I doubt they´d be too horrid now. It´s just the size difference, but if you think Snow won´t actually go overboard, they should be ok soon.
Well, theoretically all of them, but it really depends on the geese and any squabbling thjat goes on.

would that size overnight pen be OK even during breeding season?

 

[livininbrazil]

would that size overnight pen be OK even during breeding season?

No. During the breeding season they´ll have to have their own space or you´ll have a war out there. Individual pens will be needed, unless you have masses of space for them, including at night. I imagine you´ll need to pen them in their pairs in the breeding season.
How are you hoping to pair them?

 

[livininbrazil]

Well after all the is she or isn't she broody I think she finally is. I kept waiting for her to come outside so I could go in and scoop the poppy shaving out and finally I opened the door and there Missy sits on a real nest that she has made around her and the eggs. She had 8 as of yesterday. She was very upset with me.

Oh, I´m so nervous to say....:

 

[Starfire669]

No.  During the breeding season they´ll have to have their own space or you´ll have a war out there.  Individual pens will be needed, unless you have masses of space for them, including at night.  I imagine you´ll need to pen them in their pairs in the breeding season. 
How are you hoping to pair them?

Hoping to pair Jasper with Peaches and Jezeblle, if they are female. And Snow with Cream and Maybel, again I'd they are female.

 

[livininbrazil]

Hoping to pair Jasper with Peaches and Jezeblle, if they are female. And Snow with Cream and Maybel, again I'd they are female.

And that´s if jasper and snow are both males, too!

You have lots of time before you need to worry about that....anyway, they´ll often choose for themselves who they like, unless you split them quite early.
I can´t remember..what breed are your youngest ones? The oldest are Chinese, you have some africans, and...?

 

[Starfire669]

And that´s if jasper and snow are both males, too!

You have lots of time before you need to worry about that....anyway, they´ll often choose for themselves who they like, unless you split them quite early.
I can´t remember..what breed are your youngest ones? The oldest are Chinese, you have some africans, and...?

This Sunday they will be, 9 week old white Chinese (Jasper and Snow), 4 week old Africans (Peaches and Cream), 3 week old white Chinese (Mabel and Jezebelle)

 

[Starfire669]

And I am starting to wonder about Jasper. His knob isn't as wrinkly and developed as Snow's, and Snow is bigger than Jasper. But he does walk around with his head pointing up, won't stop talking, and is not near as standoffish as Snow. I am so confused, is Jasper and gander or goose?