Sorry I haven't updated. I have been just so busy lately. Spring and the critters have got me going crazy.
Ethel is doing very well. She is improving but still very slowly. Something I was thrilled with yesterday was that she was eating grass while standing! This is a great feat? feet? Yes and she didn't fall over. I also saw her gobbling down some scratch I put in a feed bowl. I didn't expect to find her eating it but I was happy with that.
She has more control with her walking but still can't seem to handle leaning back. She does manage to open her wings just long enough to stay standing. Today it was so hot I decided to put her in the pool. Ethel hasn't been in water since that first morning I saw her standing in the pool as if to say "Get me OUT!" Today she liked it a long but........ yes, their is a but........Fred was happy to see her in the pool. Fred did try mounting her and she didn't put up a fight. Although, I couldn't tell you if he was successful or not. I think Ethel really wanted to enjoy the water instead. Eventually she got out of the water but I feel she exited in a panic which worked for her.
They all spend the day strolling around the yard as if to take everything in and look to see if anything is new. Ethel does seem to get bossy once in a while and the others do give in. If by chance Ethel get separated she will call for Fred. If I find that Fred doesn't show up then I will call him and he will come running. He does honk to let everyone know he is on his way.
I believe Ethel will stay here. I don't know if she will ever lay an egg again or not but that's ok. We, Tess, our friend Lauren and I don't feel she would do well at Tess'. The pond she has would not be good for Ethel since she, at this point, would have no way to get out of the pond.
Ethel still looks rough....... lol. Not fluffing like she should and doesn't seem to use that oil gland on top of her tail. I've noticed that she has trouble turning her head back along her back like the other geese. Not very sure what's up with that but I will keep watching. Ethel doesn't extend her neck while she walks so that maybe the problem. I did try to stretch her neck while carrying her today to make sure she was ok and nothing stuck.
So happy to hear that everyday there is improvement with Ethel. and that she will stay with you. Gosh sure would like to find a girl for my gander. I think he would like having someone almost as tall as him to hang out with. LOL all the other things going on with her[neck etc] hopefull will also work themselves out as she heals from what ever trauma she had. Even being a bit bossy is a good sign..?
LOL... I think being bossy is a good thing. When she sees that I want to catch her she runs from me. She's pretty fast too. It is so funny to see. I try and get her close to a fence where she can't manuver fast enough and crashes. That's the only way I can get her. It's obvious her brain is working. Stinker that she is.
When she honks it almost sounds like an eco. She goes HONK, honkhonkhonk and then again. Never one honk. She is loud too but Fred responds. I'm hoping she will start grooming or preening herself. She does a little bit in the front and tries to do her sides but so far she hasn't gotten to her back or her belly. It's that leaning back issue. In good time I guess. She is a character.
Well, we can't forget about Buffy and Daffy. Buffy because she is an American Buff and Daffy the Super African who quacks. Ethel has found a liking to Buffy as well. They are all very good with Ethel but you see Fred and Buffy spend the most time with her. For some reason Daffy walks around honking in a very low tone as if she is board or just talking to herself. She almost seems sad at times. Ginger is sitting on eggs. Shoot, maybe Daffy is wondering why she isn't broody. She's been laying eggs since Christmas.
No sign of eggs from Ethel and I don't really expect any. Although I think Fred might be expecting some since he tried to mount her in the pool yesterday. I can't honestly say Ethel was receptive to the idea. Kind of brushed him off in a polite way. I suppose I can say she is a female at this point. You don't think Fred would try and mount a male do you?
Ethel has become more vocal so I guess that's good. Ok, she does get lost a lot and demands to know where everyone is. No biggie, I don't have that big of a place. The funniest part is when Fred honks as if he is in trouble and comes running.
Here is Fred wanting to come up the steps to visit me and Ethel having no part of it. She still looks rough but she's made great improvements.
Well, we can't forget about Buffy and Daffy. Buffy because she is an American Buff and Daffy the Super African who quacks. Ethel has found a liking to Buffy as well. They are all very good with Ethel but you see Fred and Buffy spend the most time with her. For some reason Daffy walks around honking in a very low tone as if she is board or just talking to herself. She almost seems sad at times. Ginger is sitting on eggs. Shoot, maybe Daffy is wondering why she isn't broody. She's been laying eggs since Christmas.
No sign of eggs from Ethel and I don't really expect any. Although I think Fred might be expecting some since he tried to mount her in the pool yesterday. I can't honestly say Ethel was receptive to the idea. Kind of brushed him off in a polite way. I suppose I can say she is a female at this point. You don't think Fred would try and mount a male do you?
Ethel has become more vocal so I guess that's good. Ok, she does get lost a lot and demands to know where everyone is. No biggie, I don't have that big of a place. The funniest part is when Fred honks as if he is in trouble and comes running.
Here is Fred wanting to come up the steps to visit me and Ethel having no part of it. She still looks rough but she's made great improvements.
Thank you Miss Lydia. Ethel is still stomping those feet of hers. You can always here her coming.. lol. I have a feeling she is looking for a place to nest. I really do. I have 2 geese laying eggs and on sitting. I think she wants to start laying but not sure if it will be possible. Brain injury you know. She has been poking around for spots though so I put a bunch of hay in the duck coop just to see what happens.
Ethel's balance is getting a little better. I watch her clean her chest today while standing. She didn't fall over and she was conscious of what she was doing. Interesting to watch a bird think. Never thought that would be possible.
Thank you Miss Lydia. Ethel is still stomping those feet of hers. You can always here her coming.. lol. I have a feeling she is looking for a place to nest. I really do. I have 2 geese laying eggs and on sitting. I think she wants to start laying but not sure if it will be possible. Brain injury you know. She has been poking around for spots though so I put a bunch of hay in the duck coop just to see what happens.
Ethel's balance is getting a little better. I watch her clean her chest today while standing. She didn't fall over and she was conscious of what she was doing. Interesting to watch a bird think. Never thought that would be possible.
Yes, I am so impressed with her. She keeps trying to do more everyday. You would think she would sit and rest but she doesn't. She will keep going until she gets to tired to balance. She also tells on the others...... well, that's what it seems like. There is an area in the woods that will get water and the waterfowl love it. Ethel seems to have issues with that particular area and lets Fred and the rest know that she doesn't like it there. Maybe it brings back bad memories of her falling. I don't know. She will go but only for a little bit and she's out of there.
Haven't heard any news about Ethel, hoping that means she is continueing to heal. Been so busy haven't taken time to post about her but think about her alot. Hope all is going well.
