As if it wasn't bad enough that Boss was killed by a predator.....
I have 8 of my original goslings ( all now grown up ) 5 Toulouse and 3 Embden and they have been fighting.... it is awful, I am aware that it is Spring and they are more aggressive and one way or another a new leader has to emerge - I went to the goose compound yesterday morning to find the Embden male bloodied and cowering in a corner - he had been badly beaten - he has been isolated since - the Toulouse males will not let him anywhere near the flock - he is subdued and I feel so sorry for him - the females (Toulouse and Embden) will go to see him in the field but the male Toulouse are relentless in their attack(s) on him if he is anywhere near where they wish to roam.
Tonight he is in a separate enclosure, I put an Embden female in with him for company.
An hour after I had isolated him and his female I could hear a lot of noise from the goose compound - the Toulouse were attacking the only female Embden that was with them - we took her away from them and put her in with the other two Embden for safety - they are all fine together tonight....
Help! - advice needed here from anyone experienced in goose behaviour
Do I cull the most aggressive Toulouse Male?
Cull the 3 Embden?
Any advice would be appreciated - I can't stand bullying between my animals... will this aggression end in a few weeks when the breeding season ends ? - if so, I can keep them separated at night.
I am in tears again, not knowing what to do for the best - if only Boss were here.....!
Suzie
I have 8 of my original goslings ( all now grown up ) 5 Toulouse and 3 Embden and they have been fighting.... it is awful, I am aware that it is Spring and they are more aggressive and one way or another a new leader has to emerge - I went to the goose compound yesterday morning to find the Embden male bloodied and cowering in a corner - he had been badly beaten - he has been isolated since - the Toulouse males will not let him anywhere near the flock - he is subdued and I feel so sorry for him - the females (Toulouse and Embden) will go to see him in the field but the male Toulouse are relentless in their attack(s) on him if he is anywhere near where they wish to roam.
Tonight he is in a separate enclosure, I put an Embden female in with him for company.
An hour after I had isolated him and his female I could hear a lot of noise from the goose compound - the Toulouse were attacking the only female Embden that was with them - we took her away from them and put her in with the other two Embden for safety - they are all fine together tonight....
Help! - advice needed here from anyone experienced in goose behaviour
Do I cull the most aggressive Toulouse Male?
Cull the 3 Embden?
Any advice would be appreciated - I can't stand bullying between my animals... will this aggression end in a few weeks when the breeding season ends ? - if so, I can keep them separated at night.
I am in tears again, not knowing what to do for the best - if only Boss were here.....!
Suzie