My goslings won't put themselves up at night.

[jdywntr]

My 5 goslings range in age from about 5-8 weeks old. They stay in the coop that is sectioned off with an area for the chickens and the ducks. The goslings are a bit scared of the ducks but they are all pretty much bigger than them now so some of the fear seems to be going away.
The chickens are the first to go to bed, then the ducks as long as it is late enough (not full dark) but the goslings will not go into the coop on their own. They just find a comfy spot and tuck in for the night right in the middle of the run.

As soon as I go out and open the gate they get up and start walking toward the coop. I have not yet waited until full dark to see if they go in because here it is pitch black at night and it stills freaks me out a bit.

I want to start free ranging a bit but am worried that they will get off somewhere and I won't be able to locate them. Are they too young to free range? I figure I will start only feeding at night so that everyone comes in when they hear the feed bucket.

Any suggestions?

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Geese don't roost at night like chickens, ours (some) will goto their house at night and wait to be put in, but most wait for us to herd them into their barns/stalls/houses.

 

[jdywntr]

Thanks Celtic. I don't mind herding them in, they virtually go on their own just wait for me to be there.