How Do I Make Friends with Adult Geese

[sweetshoplady]

OK, I got two Pilgrim ladies from Holderreads. They're mature ladies. How do I get to be friends with them? I've had them 2 days and they don't know me so they hiss and stuff. Are there any special goose treats that I can use to win their pretty hearts? I have 3 other geese who I've raised from goslings who are friendly and sweet as can be. THey're bigger than my 8 month old geese, does that mean the gooses I have will get bigger? How long do they grow to be full size? They're all pilgrims.

I haven't turned them loose to run with the other gooses. How long before they call my place home? (I know gooses is incorrect, but its more fun to say than geese). Actually I want them in a separate pen with their gander, and let them take turns free ranging. If I put him in there with them, will he help them be friendlier?

Do gooses lay eggs during the day or at night like ducks?

Edited to clarify the question.

 

[noahsgeese]

I do not know anything about pilgrims but my Embden geese like bread and lettuce.
And I believe that my goose lays eggs in the day and the night so I do not know if that answers your questions or not.

Hope this helps!!

Noah

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Isn't plural form Goosai?

 

[banter]

I would say greens will tempt them. I know they graze their geese, but being a commercial hatchery I would bet they only get dry feed in the winter. I have bought adult geese from them also, and It took about 2-3 weeks before they really got to trust me, so don't despair! I believe they treat their animals well and they must talk to them too because my shipped ganders seemed to really like to be talked to. Just a guess.

 

[sweetshoplady]

Banter, you're right about the talking thing. They do like to be talked to. And they do like apples. I did a search for goose treats on here and somebody said apples.

Thanks for the idea of time for them to get used to me and stuff. I put their gander in with them this evening, so they didn't hiss at me when I closed them in for the night, because he didn't hiss.

As soon as I can, I'll get some pics up of them. They're really pretty geese. I was impressed with how comfortable Holderread's had made their travel accomodations. They had a really nice "nest" of straw that was several inches deep.

 

[rainplace]

I've been going through this very thing with my minis from Holderread.
I've been spending a lot of time outside squatting, speaking goose/duck/weirdness and moving slow through the yard.
Today the three of them walked almost to me at feed time.

It takes time. I'm new to geeses but what I'm doing seems to be working.

I just popped them in with the rest of the flock and squatted and watched the show. There was lots of hissing at first, and some goosing... the ducks did some charges, but the minis seemed unperturbed and everyone was use to each other by days end. There was some upset in the duck/goose house. But it that happens with every new addition.

I've read that geese lay whenever they want.. .no set time.

 

[MrsCountryChick]

We have White Sebastopols & often buy bulk produce from flea markets & auctions so we give them a variety of "treats" that they love like: lettuce, strawberries, bananas, apples (no seeds those are bad for them), & cantaloupe. I'd have to say my geese are Very Happy.

Good Luck on your new additions.

 

[cap1717]

An aquired adult goose will never behave like one that has imprinted on you. Goodies might help make them less afraid, but possibly more agressive, too. . . if you want a pet goose, get a hatchling!

 

[DuckLady]

All four of my geese were not raised by me and they are all friendly.

The key is patience.
One, Bella La Goosie, decided I was hers right from the start but that is not really the usual.

The other three were rescues and I just went about my business calmly and handed out treats to everyone. At treat time they would hang back, but gradually they learned that I was to be trusted. I mean who wouldn't trust someone handing out Cheerios and Watermelon with a 15 pound Muscovy drake asleep on her lap?

Don't push yourself on them, just do what you need to to around them. Speak to them calmly and never chase them. It may take a while, but they will learn that you are ok and will come around. They may never be huggable pets, but they will follow you and be near you and will interact with you. And don't be fooled....When it seems that they are ignoring you and wanting nothing to do with you, believe me, they are watching you and trying to figure you out.

Good luck!

 

[banter]

Quote:
I beg to differ. I have house raised, raised under the goose and bought as adult Sebs. After maturing (over a year old) I can't tell the difference. None are afraid of me, not one
enjoys being touched, they don't bite (they will hiss occasionally), they are pests for treats

and oddly enough it's my bought as adult ganders that are the pests! I have other poultry (chickens and a pair of ducks) which free range with them in warm months and are in the barn with them in winter. Maybe mine are just used to other "life forms"!