My Africans (A close call! 1/05)

[shelleyd2008]

I hope they come back, I don't know what I would do if I lost one of mine. They are like my kids

 

[MsMelvin]

....ship.

 

[hammerhead]

I lost one of my 12 geese due to a neighbor's dogs. The dogs thought it was great fun to chase after the chickens, geese and ducks. I could not find out whose dogs they were but it was during the day and the geese were penned up. I leave them out now so they can at least seek the safety of the pond. Also, a friend had twelve geese and she lost ever one of them to a bobcat. The count kept going down so she started keeping them in the pen all day. At that point, she didn't know what was happening to them. She came home one day after work and a bobcat was jumping out of the pen (8ft) with a goose in its mouth. Later, she spotted two bobcats by the pen. The bobcats turned up on the side of the road, she bought more geese and they have not lost one since. I had a bobcat to take 11 of my ducks before I knew what it was. I addressed the issue. I had offered to take care of her bobcat issue but she declined my offer. Since we are near the city, we mainly see the coyotes and bobcats at night. I keep the area lit and an answer ready. If it is a predator, it will continue feeding in the area until the food supply is exhausted. You need to have the area checked for evidence. I don't intend to be negative but, unless a goose is sitting, I have never had one to wonder off. I hope I'm wrong in your case and they find their way back home.

Hammerhead

 

[shelleyd2008]

Any word yet?

 

[Goat_Walker]

Im in a similar situation, so I know how you feel. I had an attak yesterday. Four dead, Four missing. I dont know what ill do if my four dont come back home

I hope your geese come home soon

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Again, I am so sorry. I have been there too. I lost 2 geese and 4 ducks to a predator. We think coyote. It really hurts.

If either of you ever decide to get an electric fence, maybe you can help me understand what I need to do to put it up. I am not techie and just can't get the vision.

It is on my wish list.

 

[Goat_Walker]

Im thinking bout it now. Since we are expanding our pen. Ill let you know if we decide to.


Any word on the missing goose?

 

[Soccer Mom]

Nothing new to report. Wheezie continues to improve. I really think we had a predator attack. SHe still moves like she's sore, but she is better every day. The others seem sort of lost.

Some of my males had started getting really uppity, but everyone has just reverted back to babyish behavior. Coyotes have been active in the area lately. This is unusual because once dove hunting starts they are usually scarce. All the guns in the area seem to drive them away, but not this year. Looks like we will be doing some coyote hunting at night.

Now I have 4 males, 3 females, and one mystery goose (bigger than the girls, but smaller than my boys; has a knob, but no dewlap).

I may have issues at breeding time thanks to this new imbalance.

These were my two wildest girls. Somehow the pasture just seems quieter and duller without my two brats.

ETA: Oh Goat Walker! I'm so sorry for your losses.

I hope you are able to solve your predator problem.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

I was hoping to hear they were found. Sorry hugs coming your way.

 

[amity3520]

It sounds most consistent with a predator attack... I know it's not the same, but we had a hawk go after our chickens about a year ago, and after the incident they were all huddled in weird places, very silent, very still. They were scared for a few days after that too, though luckily none were taken or killed. Two had missing feathers on their backs on either side, like talons has gripped there and ripped them out. It's weird that you haven't found any feathers though, usually coyotes/fox don't go very far to eat, at least in our area. I do hope you find them, still! It's so sad to lose animals and not know what happened.