Introducing goslings to the adult flock

[Rmnrgn]

Hi all, I successfully incubated 13 emden goslings who are now a month old and getting big. I've moved them to a pen in a pasture next to their parents (1 gander and 3 hens). Today I decided to introduce them to each other and the gander went bald headed into the goslings sending them in all directions! He did it on 3 occasions until I rescued the goslings. Tonight I locked up the gander and left the females next to the gosling pen in the hope that without the testosterone they might mellow and adopt the goslings. Any advice?

 

[CayugaJana]

@Pyxis @chicken danz

 

[NEgoosegirl]

@Miss Lydia

 

[NEgoosegirl]

It sounds like the adult geese can see the goslings even though they are in separate pens? When I had a goose with a gosling that the gander didn't accept, "separate but visible" seemed to work well for getting him used to the gosling and finally accepting her. I hope things work out for you and the Emdens!

 

[Farmer Doc]

Sometimes it takes a bit for the to accept the new responsibility. We wait to let the goslings out until he starts protecting them from intruders - chickens, cows, and us. Once he shows that behavior it is usually ok to let the flock come together. Took about 5 days I think last year. We are getting ready to introduce this year's brood soon.

 

[chicken danz]

In my case the parents get so excited about the goslings they end up fighting over them and the goslings end up getting hurt. I wait until the goslings have mostly feathers, short but feathers, and not just down and then let them go in then. It seems to go really smooth and they just fit in. The only adjustment I make is to add a block or something in the water troughs so the goslings can get out and not drown. I have three ganders that didn't get shipped off in time. @CayugaJana, those three boys you saw here. Someone wanted to buy one of them but I think I'm going to keep them all for breeders. I need a few more girls as well.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Mine got goslings at 3 weeks they are sturdy enough to take most roughness. And once my female accepted the goslings my gander did.