introducing the babies...UPDATE

[mlktrkdvr]

How should I go about introducing the goslings to the rest of the bunch? I would really like the adults to "adopt" them and start taking care of them to get them out of the brooder as I have a batch of turkeys that will need it very soon. The babies are 2 and 3 weeks old. Sofar we have gone for walks close to the adults. They are very interested in eachother and the gander starts honking and side-walking toward them. A few of the females have "tasted" (not really bit) them but that is about all the interaction. Should I just be looking for another brooder soon?

UPDate!! Afterplaying outside all day yesterday and being locked up last night, my gander was really happy to see the babies this morning and came right up to them, talked to them and off they all went to eat grass. So do you think I should let the babies sleep with the adults tonight? I uploaded my pictures but have not figured out how to post it here yet!!

 

[cracking up]

My adults always accept the goslings immediately. I let them have them all day and bring them in at night just because my coop is a little small right now. At first it was hard to get them away but now they just let me take them - with a little fuss - and they're so happy to see them the next morning. I have several ages and they never seem to have a problem with new geese.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Many geese are excellent parents. I would separate them with a fence for a day or two and them turn the goslings in with the adults.

The thing I would be cautious about is if you have multiple geese who might argue about who gets to adopt the babies.

You don't want the goslings to get stepped on during an argument.

 

[Duckles]

See, this is misleading... I thought you were "introducing the babies" to us

post pics!

 

[mlktrkdvr]

ok!! how?

 

[cracking up]

That was my first thought too - pics! pics! pics!

 

[shelleyd2008]

Last year I had 2 ganders. They were overjoyed with the babies I gave them. This year I tried to give them some babies. Poppa Goose came and checked them out like he did last year, but the others weren't so interested. I have 4 ganders, 1 goose, and 1 unknown this year. I think the ganders this year are more interested in keeping an eye on the goose than the babies. But the way I do it is to put the goslings in a pen in the yard, starting about 2 weeks old. I leave them in there a week or two until I'm sure the adults have accepted them. Then I turn them out. They usually do pretty well with them. My goose is setting on her nest now, so I think when she hatches I should be able to let the babies out with them all since they won't take the babies to the pond.

 

[jojo@rolling acres farm]

If they're anything like my geese - they'll adopt them immediately - and care for them lovingly. Let us know how it goes.