I really don't want my geese to hate me

[Carrosaur]

I've never dropped them or handled them rough or ever been physical with them, the only time they touch me is when they crawl up into my lap or I have to move them. I never force then to sit with me or anything like that.

 

[Carrosaur]

Hopefully you can watch this. All the goslings duck when I reach in, this was actually the only time since I've gotten them that one hasn't kicked and screamed.

 

[EeyoreD]

Maybe it's less you than the dog nose just off the right of the frame?

Yeah, I caught that.

But I'm serious, maybe have it be just you? Dogs smell like danger, even if they're not.

EDIT: Speaking of dogs, mine heard the gosling calls when I was watching your vid and ran around everywhere to try to see what was causing the danger (she also barks at doorbells on TV - but she still alerts to bad things in the yard, too)

 

[Carrosaur]

Probably Dani, she's not always with us though. Our golden retriever killed one if my ducks months ago and now he has not been near the babies. Dani is very relaxed. She lays down and let's the geese investigate her and like in the video she sniffs them and one lets her lick her.
You are very right though as soon as she walks in even if I'm between them they all start peeping up a storm. Even if it's just us, though they are still very upset when in my hands.

 

[Carrosaur]

Do you think I need to also spend mods time with then outside their tub? We spend about four hours in a day outside together.

 

[livininbrazil]

Do you think I need to also spend mods time with then outside their tub? We spend about four hours in a day outside together.

I can´t work out what 'mods time' is, sorry. It seems to me after reading all this that they´re not frightened of you, they just have a very strong fear, it´s their instinct, of being grabbed from above, like a pred would do. How old were they when you got them? Did you try my suggestion of sliding your hand underneath to pick them up? Make no difference? If this also panics them, I´d try to avoid picking them up from above (pred) as much as poss, and find another way around it. Enjoy your babies, just find another way of moving them around if possible.
For example, you said they like their crumbles. So will tnhey eat out of your hand?Then, can you slide your hand underneath to left them without them falling? Just ideas.

 

[Carrosaur]

Oh I'm so sorry that was supposed to be MORE time with them. Yes I tried sliding it under them and they liked that a lot better, but once I had them up in the air they started kicking and screaming again.
I got them at two days old in the mail.

 

[RURU]

I have been reading this and everything your goslings are dong is just comes natural for geese. Keep the dog out when you go pick them up. Take one and get a towel put it on your lap and put the gosling in your lap. Aim the butt away from you head toward you and sit and talk calmly with your gosling. Then go get another one and do the same thing. This way the goslings will bond with you better and trust you some what more. Plus you will get the love time you want with each gosling. Now how is that for some help to bond with your goslings. Never too late to start lap therapy.

 

[Carrosaur]

Thank you RURU I've heard very good things about you on the goose forum! I will make sure my dog is always away when I'm picking then up from now on since both of you have suggested it. But I do want the geese to be comfortable with her walking by the fence every so often and not panic, so I'll probably continue to let her be outside with the babies and I.
I'll start "lap therapy" today! And I won't pick them up from above anymore. You all have been a great help and I'll update how everything goes later this week!

 

[Carrosaur]

Lap therapy with all three babies!