how old

[chook123]

how old can a gosling be to introduce to my flock of hens? I have the choice from a breeder of 7 weeks or 20 weeks? Both have been raised with chickens. thanks

 

[Callender Girl]

I think the answer depends on the birds themselves, whether your hens are docile and play nicely with newcomers, like my Cochin girls, or if they, like my Speckled Sussex Bronwyn are nice to people and are tyrants to any and all new additions.

It might be easier for you and the younger gosling to bond. In terms of size, the 20-week-old is probably less likely to be bullied. On the other hand, it may bully hens if it's big enough to do so.

I think geese are happiest with other geese. So, if you have the space, I would honestly get more than one gosling, maybe two of the same age if possible. My two American Buff geese are rarely more than a few feet away from each other and call out when they can't see one another.

It is a plus that the goslings have been raised with chickens. Good luck with whatever you decide; geese are incredible birds.