Need info on American buff geese

[Two Webbed Feet]

Good morning. I purchased a pair of buff geese in May last year (Hansel & Gretel). They have been raised in with Peking and Cayuga ducks. The geese have their own house but share all other common space with the duck (water, feed ect...). I was shocked and saddedned this morning to find my gander (Hansel) dead in his house. He seemed a little off last night, now that I look back. When I went to bed them down I couldn't find him at first, he was in one of the other houses in the pin and didn't want to come out. He's usually pretty sociable and comes when I'm around. There are no signs of trama. He was just head tucked down and wings slightly splayed. My goose was unerstandably noisy this morning. Anyway, anyone have thoughts on what could have happened? Any thoughts on what i could expect from my goose (Gretel) now that she doesn't have Hansel? I've never lost a bird before and am a little unsure what to do? Any advise is appreciated.

 

[Carrosaur]

Good morning. I purchased a pair of buff geese in May last year (Hansel & Gretel). They have been raised in with Peking and Cayuga ducks. The geese have their own house but share all other common space with the duck (water, feed ect...). I was shocked and saddedned this morning to find my gander (Hansel) dead in his house. He seemed a little off last night, now that I look back. When I went to bed them down I couldn't find him at first, he was in one of the other houses in the pin and didn't want to come out. He's usually pretty sociable and comes when I'm around. There are no signs of trama. He was just head tucked down and wings slightly splayed. My goose was unerstandably noisy this morning. Anyway, anyone have thoughts on what could have happened? Any thoughts on what i could expect from my goose (Gretel) now that she doesn't have Hansel? I've never lost a bird before and am a little unsure what to do? Any advise is appreciated.

Sorry for your loss. Birds often don't show that they're sick or in pain because they are prey animals. He could have been showing very slight signs that an untrained eye wouldn't have picked up on. He may have eaten something in the yard or had something lodged in his throat or digestive system, it's up in the air.

You could send him to a vet school or veterinary clinic near you for a necropsy (autopsy for animals) just to make sure he wasn't sick with something the rest of your flock may get or already have.

How's your female? She's probably a little shocked and lonely, are you going to get her a new friend? Maybe some babies to sit on? Geese can literally die from loneliness and grief if not taken care of properly.

 

[Two Webbed Feet]

Sorry for your loss. Birds often don't show that they're sick or in pain because they are prey animals. He could have been showing very slight signs that an untrained eye wouldn't have picked up on. He may have eaten something in the yard or had something lodged in his throat or digestive system, it's up in the air.

You could send him to a vet school or veterinary clinic near you for a necropsy (autopsy for animals) just to make sure he wasn't sick with something the rest of your flock may get or already have.

How's your female? She's probably a little shocked and lonely, are you going to get her a new friend? Maybe some babies to sit on? Geese can literally die from loneliness and grief if not taken care of properly.

Thank you for your post. I am looking for a vet in my area that can help with determining why he died.
I am worried about her. I noticed that today she is hanging out with my ducks more than normal which I hope is some comfort for her. We have talked about getting some goslings, which won't happen right away due to availability. My other concern is weather or not house her with my ducks or keep her in her house?

 

[Carrosaur]

Thank you for your post. I am looking for a vet in my area that can help with determining why he died.
I am worried about her. I noticed that today she is hanging out with my ducks more than normal which I hope is some comfort for her. We have talked about getting some goslings, which won't happen right away due to availability. My other concern is weather or not house her with my ducks or keep her in her house?

I think you should keep her with the ducks until you can get her some buddies. Where are you located? Craigslist generally has goslings, and Metzer, McMurray, and Cackle hatchery don't typically have a wait, unless you were going to try to get buff again. Then I would suggest Stromberg hatchery, they have nice buffs

 

[Two Webbed Feet]

I think you should keep her with the ducks until you can get her some buddies. Where are you located? Craigslist generally has goslings, and Metzer, McMurray, and Cackle hatchery don't typically have a wait, unless you were going to try to get buff again. Then I would suggest Stromberg hatchery, they have nice buffs

Thank you! I am in Huntsville, AL. I tried Craigslist - not much there local. I will check out Stromberg. Was hoping to stick with the Buff's I have really enjoyed them. I found Buffs on Efowl - but earliest delivery is late April. Should I have any concerns about introducing goslings to an older goose? I have not had to put little ones in with the older ones before.

 

[lilmiz]

I was told my geese are buffs but I'm not sure what's your opinion

 

[Silver Spring Waterfowl]

The one in back is definitely not! It's in the ornamental goose family (Swan), Large China, small African, Mix of something with a knob, I don't know. If it is a parent of those goslings, they should have cosmetic defects (for a pet) like knobs or dewlaps, maybe not at first, but eventually.

 

[Silver Spring Waterfowl]

I'm so sorry! If you want to know what happened, refrigerate -don't freeze- his body, and go online to find out where to send or take your bird on ice to your State Poultry Diagnostic Lab. That's where the necropsies are done and the Poultry vets are. I drive mine because of the astronomical cost of shipping an adult goose on ice. It's about a 285 mile drive for me, but such is life. That's the only way you'll know, but even then, it's often difficult to tell with only one carcass. Your State Laboratory's website should have the shipping info, packaging info, locations, and phone numbers for the lab(s). Call first. It may save you some time or trouble. Sometimes things just happen, through no fault of your own.

Kathy

 

[AUTZ]

Thank you! I am in Huntsville, AL. I tried Craigslist - not much there local. I will check out Stromberg. Was hoping to stick with the Buff's I have really enjoyed them. I found Buffs on Efowl - but earliest delivery is late April. Should I have any concerns about introducing goslings to an older goose? I have not had to put little ones in with the older ones before.

We're almost neighbors. West Limestone here ..
I use Ideal Poultry, Strombergs & Cackle Hatcheries. Ideal & Strombergs have American Buff available. I'm expecting our first 3 Buffs (1 Gander) this coming week .
This thread has great information, THANKS! We currently have chickens (full sized & Bantam), ducks, goats, guienas, doves, rabbits, one steer bottle fed calf & one female pot bellied pig. It's a zoo, but we wouldn't have it any other way... BTW, I left out the 3 dogs! LOL!
We're so looking forward to getting our Goslings & growing our family. We're planning on raising the Goslings indoors with us to start out. I hope it works

 

[Alo]

Thank you for the excellent write-up.

I know someone who is selling breeding pairs, and I almost bought some. lol

"These don't make good watchdogs," was the deal breaker for me.

I remember a herd of mean white geese chasing me away from a neighbor's fruit trees when I was 12. I hit one with an orange, but they still kept coming.

That's the kind I want to help me protect my chickens from dogs and cats...