My geese suddenly want to eat me alive

[ultasol]

I love my geese. My favorite are the Dewlap Toulouse- they are quieter in volume and temperament than other breeds. Although you still have to watch out during breeding season, I haven't (knock on wood) gotten flogged or nipped yet. THen again, I never coddled them or treated them like pets. A gander comes running at me I turn to face him, and that ends that. I've never held them down, carried them, sat on them, kicked them, shoved them, fed them by hand, given them teddy bears, etc etc etc. They do know I bring food, and they run- to the feeder. I never encouraged even gentle nibbling of the pantlegs, or nibbling of my arms as goslings or as adults. On the other hand, they will follow me around the goose pasture at a respectful distance.

I love seeing them out on the pasture- so stately. I enjoy watching their social interaction, like to hear them talk to each other and to me, and although I haven't eaten any dewlaps yet I am certain they will make as lovely a meal as the other domestic geese I've had.

 

[GarlicEater]

Mine don't mind getting VERY close to me lately since it's breeding season, it's funny, one of the ganders will hiss and come up to me, and I'll just step forward, and just before bumping he'll do a 180 and back down, spread his wings, like Whoo, that was kinda close.

 

[Shiloh Acres]

I'm in east Tx and my Pilgrim goose started brooding 3 weeks ago.

Goosedragon, thanks for the info on the stick. I've seen it in pics but never knew much about it.

I forgot that I used a long thin pole when mine were little. I'd call them when they were freeranging and they'd usually come, but at times I would need to herd them and used a pole as a visual arm extender. I might just carry it the next time I go back there and see how they react. Would be nice to cut down on the drama, though it's nit usually THAT bad.