Lucy setting...

[MsMelvin]

on a clutch of American buff eggs (x pekin duck) that won't hatch (fingers crossed) but luckily goslings are scheduled to arrive late this month.

1. Should I encourage her off the nest to eat/drink. I put food and water right next to her last night as she has not budged in four days. I keep both available in coop with her now that she is safely nesting inside but she won't get off those eggs.

2. I want the goslings to be as friendly as she is; how long do I keep them in brooder before presenting them to Lucy. Ideally; I'd like to human imprint them first.

3. Or, do I slip the goslings to her on arrival to get her up and moving; off those eggs. (They won't hatch, right?) Taking a chance of unfriendly/frightened goslings.

Just want to let her do her thing, to be happy, but worried that timing is crucial here and frankly don't have a clue how to get this right.

Anyone have any thoughts to share?

I should mention this is her first year; she'll be one in June.

 

[scratch'n'peck]

I have a Sebastopol who just 1 year old and is sitting on her first clutch, so I am coming to this thread seeking info, too.

One thing I did read on another thread was a suggestion that it is better not to put the food right next to the nest but to put it in it's regular spot to encourage the goose to get off the nest occasionally.

I hope someone with more experience can share more.

 

[MsMelvin]

Guess we're going thru this together then...hopefully Tennesse, GD or C Rose or anyone that knows how to handle will join us.

I just checked on my goosey and she did get off the nest while I was out...went potty by the door. I was wondering if she'd "dirty" her nest if I put the food that close. (I had both supply's in the coop but didn't see any indication that she got off and ate/drank so I held them for her to sample then made a spot with in her neck reach and left her alone last night).

She actually stood up while I pet her this morning and showed me her precious eggs; there is ten! Such a proud girl AND she trusted me enough to share the moment. I'm inclined to think there is no chance of hatch though...we'll see. (Next year when I have a buff gander I will be looking forward to it).

Perhaps I'll move both suppliers back so she will get up and walk a little...

How long has your girl been on her nest?