New ‘Mother Goose’ and Have ??’s

[happybooker1]

I got Sonny & Cher before they were 36 hours old so they’ve imprinted on me. Since the 3rd day I’ve had them outside while I’m doing yard work, about 45 min. at a time. They seem to love it. They keep up a constant stream of peeps however; is this normal?

When do the oil glands began producing oil for their feathers? They already are trying to rub the gland n then their feathers.

Why don’t geese require such precise brooding temps as baby chicks? Geese seem so much hardier.

They already try to eat grass/Weeds outside — so I guess I should be providing them with grit?

Do geese go to roost/rest at night at sunset? I have them in a large dog carrier in my bathroom but every time I go in there they seem eager to get out n “play”. Is this normal??

Thanks to anyone that can answer these questions.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Geese are like toddlers they love to be out and about exploring their world nibbling on anything that looks tasty. If your taking them out every day they may not need grit they can get it themselves. But if your feeding them inside anything other than their starter feed I'd get some chick grit and put it out close to their feed bowl they will use it as needed.

Are you letting them have swim time? that will really get them preening and get that oil gland working. They will start producing more oil as they grow older too.

As for heat water fowl are just hardier than chickens they do require warmth but not to the extreme as other poultry chicks do. I start my gosling at 85* their first week and drop it down 5* each week there after till they are at normal temp inside if still brooding. Usually you can go by how they are reacting to the temps huddled under heat lamp they are cold far away maybe too hot but if just relaxing around probably just right.

My geese learned early they had to go inside at night so when I say bed time and start walking towards them they turn and go to their house to go in. They also herd real well so slowly walking behind with your arms open guiding them is a good way to teach them.
They like repetition so they are easy to train. They will not go to roost. but can be trained to go into their house. if your turning a light on when you go in the bathroom then they have no concept of time and probably think it's time to go out. Plus your their mama so of course they want to be with you. Oh and the peeps is how they stay in touch with you and each other.

Be sure to post pics when you can they sound adorable.

 

[Percheron chick]

Geese are active at night unlike chickens.
Keep the swimming water shallow enough for them to touch the bottom. I start with a flat 3 G rubber feed pan with a few inches of water.
I save the lettuce and fresh fruit to teach them to put themselves to bed at night. They will do anything for some lettuce.

 

[happybooker1]

Here’s some newer pics of Sonny & Cher (Cher is the darker one). They’re a week old today.