How long can she hold it in?

[KSH1]

I just interrupted a goose about to lay an egg in a bad location. She of course thinks it's a perfect location. Does anyone know how long she can hold out before she has to give up and lay elsewhere? She's glaring at me now from a spot that would be much safer for her to nest. (She laid an egg in the bad spot yesterday and it got eaten by a predator, but she's not interested in logic.)

 

[Iain Utah]

She'll probably lay within 24-48 hours.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Can you lock her in to the safe place you want her to lay? Maybe if there is already an egg in there she’ll use it to lay

 

[KSH1]

Can you lock her in to the safe place you want her to lay? Maybe if there is already an egg in there she’ll use it to lay

Unfortunately no, the part I neglected to mention is that she's a wild Canada goose. My job is to train Canada geese not to take over places where they're in conflict with humans. So I can't guarantee a safe nesting place anywhere, but her first choice is definitely not a good one. I've learned a lot about them, but this is the first time I've come upon one ready to lay - she was settled into the nest when I arrived.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Is there any places left for them to nest and raise their young ?

 

[KSH1]

Is there any places left for them to nest and raise their young ?

Oh yes lots, even on that property. They'd just prefer she do it out in the grass areas or those mulch beds as opposed to the one directly in front of the entrance to the building, which is where she chose. There are elderly people and children going in and out frequently and they don't want to be attacked by geese protecting their nest.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Oh good I sure understand about ornery geese I have 2 right now. I just hear so much about how people move into areas where the geese have been coming for ever and don’t want them around any longer.

 

[KSH1]

Oh good I sure understand about ornery geese I have 2 right now. I just hear so much about how people move into areas where the geese have been coming for ever and don’t want them around any longer.

Yep, I agree with you. I'm not an expert but it does seem like the population is getting to be a bit much around here, but they are protected by the Migratory Bird Act, and I don't know if anyone is looking at population control. We just try to help them figure out which locations are best for them to be healthy and not have people problems, but they don't always realize we're trying to help!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I am glad you care!