Integrating goslings into a gaggle

[Wooski]

Would really appreciate a little help and advice if possible. Yesterday, we introduced a couple of goslings (2 months old roughly) to our established gaggle (total 7, 4 geese, 3 ganders) and although the youngsters are desperate to join the group, the others keep chasing them away when they get too close. They aren't being really aggressive, just a bit of nipping. My query is whether this is normal behaviour and whether they will eventually accept the goslings into their gaggle? We are keeping them all together in a pen roughly totalling a quarter of an acre to allow them to get used to each other.

Thanks in advance.

 

[sourland]

In my experience, geese are quick to accept smaller goslings but are slower about accepting 'semi adult' birds. As long as the aggression does not escalate, I would just allow them to work things out.

 

[Wooski]

Thank you. Will keep an eye on things. Is it better to keep them in their pen for a few more days or let them out into a larger meadow that they usually graze?

 

[Miss Lydia]

Sometimes it's best to let them meet through fencing just in case someone gets aggressive with the babies. Hope things settle soon and they accept the goslings.

 

[Wooski]

Thanks Miss Lydia. The goslings have now been accepted by the group which is great.

 

[donkeydew2farms]

I am having the same problem my goslings are about month and a half old. they are with 2 ducklings I had them in the pen next to the 2 adult geese so I tried to put them together and the adult geese went crazy scared the babies . this happen a couple of times. the older geese were not trying to hurt them but was trying to herd them. I tried again last night the poor babies ran and hid behind me it was funny. the geese are over protective. I picked one of the babies up and he screamed bloody murder the next thing I no the older geese rush me honking one stood in front of me and the other on the side there was a fence on the other. I got a little worried I could not get them to back off. soo I put the baby down and backed off. how strong there maternal instincts are and they weren't their babies. I am going to let them get bigger and the older geese are going to have to stay in there own pen. they are fine with the ducks. I am so glad to be part of this forum I have no one to tell these stories to they think I am nuts.

 

[Wooski]

I know; it's a really cool experience! My geese took around 2 days before they stopped the chasing and nipping and now they are very protective of the goslings. It's pretty amazing behaviour and I love watching how the relationship grows and changes each day. What I've also noticed is how greedy goslings are! Both of them have been sick because they've stuffed themselves silly.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks Miss Lydia. The goslings have now been accepted by the group which is great.

Happy news.

 

[donkeydew2farms]

happy news here my geese and goslings are finally getting along. the 2 duclaires ducklings are still with the goslings in fact the little ones protect them. but the older ones tolerate them but will push them away when they get to close. should I leave the ducklings with the geese together or should I separate them now?

 

[Miss Lydia]

happy news here my geese and goslings are finally getting along. the 2 duclaires ducklings are still with the goslings in fact the little ones protect them. but the older ones tolerate them but will push them away when they get to close. should I leave the ducklings with the geese together or should I separate them now?

I can't remember but do you have other ducks? if so I would intergrate them and leave the geese and goslings to do their thing because evetually when breeding season comes around again those ducks really won't be welcome with the geese.

Glad to hear things are going good for geese and goslings!