Goslings of 2015 Hatch-a-Long

[Carrosaur]

Carrosaur geese don't realize the dangers of nesting out in the open where predators can pick them off, it's up to us their care takers to protect them and make sure they are safe. Even if it mean moving the eggs and keep doing it even if they don't go broody. So you still don't have a proper safe house for them? What are you planning on doing with all of the geese anyway if you don't mind me asking? sorry don't mean to be so blunt but I am worried we're going to see another post from you of another dead or injured goose. 

I move them into an XXL dog crate at night and onto our back deck which is up a flight of stairs by our back door. They're safe. We're currently building a big house for the rest, and we plan on letting them stay in the garage at night. We've also got hot wire around our yard now.

 

[Carrosaur]

Have you tried moving the actual nest. That may work more than just moving the eggs. I would never allow any of my birds, geese or otherwise, to remain outside at night much less nest even with our 7 dogs as protection. I had to kill a porcupine the other day that was walking across our field toward the Cayuga ducks who were outside. This was daytime not at night. I fired 3 warning shots to try to run it off but each time it just stopped, looked at me and turned back toward his goal. So, daytime, shotgun firing and 7 dogs going ballistic did not deter a predator with only one thing on its mind. At night it could be even worse. We also have had cayotes circling the place at night. You can tell by their howling and barking that they are trying to distract the dogs in one direction while they head for the chicken coop in the other. At least a single warning shot into the air and you can hear them yelp and run away into the night.

So, try moving the actual nest and eggs. Then if she continues to lay outside move the egg into the nest where you placed it. Then at night put her to bed in the building/cage with the nest. Once she goes broody she will sit the nest and all with be right with the world.

I don't let her stay out there at night, I do leave the eggs though. And where do you live that you have porcupines!!!

 

[jtn42248]

I don't let her stay out there at night, I do leave the eggs though. And where do you live that you have porcupines!!!

I am located in West Central Texas where the Southern Great Plains end and the Texas Hill Country begins.

 

[Carrosaur]

I am located in West Central Texas where the Southern Great Plains end and the Texas Hill Country begins.

I live in the Suburbs of Brentwood, TN

 

[jtn42248]

Proud Goose Grandpa here having to share another picture of the babies. They are 4 days old now. The little one that was weak and a little wobbly is now just fine. Smaller than the others but keeping up. So, His name is Mr. Wobbly. The others are just number 1-7 except there is the possibility that one may be named Aquaman since he keeps diving into the drinking dish and splashing and swimming around.

Tomorrow we go to buy them a much bigger building to live in since we have decided to keep them all. We are planning on something large enough that we can partition off living areas and nesting areas and an area for me to store supplies and have room to do some work as well. We shall see...it won't be the first time my eyes were bigger than my wallet.

So, anyway, here is the picture...

 

[Carrosaur]

Proud Goose Grandpa here having to share another picture of the babies. They are 4 days old now. The little one that was weak and a little wobbly is now just fine. Smaller than the others but keeping up. So, His name is Mr. Wobbly. The others are just number 1-7 except there is the possibility that one may be named Aquaman since he keeps diving into the drinking dish and splashing and swimming around. Tomorrow we go to buy them a much bigger building to live in since we have decided to keep them all. We are planning on something large enough that we can partition off living areas and nesting areas and an area for me to store supplies and have room to do some work as well. We shall see...it won't be the first time my eyes were bigger than my wallet. So, anyway, here is the picture...

Awwwww! How big is your building now?

 

[jtn42248]

Awwwww! How big is your building now?

About 32 square feet currently and for what will soon be 11 full grown geese we would need an absolute minimum of 44 square feet figuring 4 square feet per goose. But I think that will still be a bit cramped so we are looking in the area of jumping to something between 192 to 288 sq ft (12x16 to 12x24) if we can swing it. So far it looks like pricing in the neighborhood of 4 to 6 thousand bucks which will include delivery, setup and electric connection to our existing system. We will also have to pay for permits to bring it here since the dealer is about 60 miles away and we will have to be on both State and US highways. But fortunately we have gated access to US84 at the far end of our property so no having to worry about dirt county roads or farm to market roads which can be a mess.

 

[8GeeseALaying]

I have internal pipping in my 3 duck eggs. The 4th one quit last week. By this week end i should know if they are saxony.
Then in two & 1/2 more weeks, 10 more are due. I will probably set 12-14 more tonight or tomorrow.
My goose eggs are due May 21st. Then i think im done for the season.

 

[jtn42248]

I have internal pipping in my 3 duck eggs. The 4th one quit last week. By this week end i should know if they are saxony.
Then in two & 1/2 more weeks, 10 more are due. I will probably set 12-14 more tonight or tomorrow.
My goose eggs are due May 21st. Then i think im done for the season.

God willing you will have a really good hatch rate but you sure are going to have your hands full with everything else you have going on.

 

[8GeeseALaying]

As long as i stick to waterfowl i will be ok as far time & care. when i add chicks into the mix is when i get overloaded with work. with a little 4 mos old "spider monkey" im not even going to attempt it this year lol