New Gosling Babies

[GreatGranny]

I have just received 2 new babies! They are female American Buff goslings and are 4 days old! They are so cute but I was wondering... at what age should I introduce them to our existing goslings who will be 7 weeks old in three days? Lilly and Amy are very large, and even though they may not intend to harm the new goslings, I feel it may be awhile before they are all able to mingle! I know geese grow to size very quickly but what is the best age to start letting them get to know each other? Thanks for the help!

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

@casportpony , my friend, THE guru in ducks lol...advice for op? I only have 2 so noadvice from me lol

 

[Ducksandchickens]

I’m not sure at what age feese are fully feathered but when they are fully feathered they should be down together

 

[Ducksandchickens]

Also we would love pics of ur goslings!!

 

[TheAmundsons]

I think it's never too early to start introducing them! If you can put them in the same pen/run with some sort of separation so the older ones can't access (but can see/interact with) the smaller ones, that will help. I would say in a few weeks you should be able to let them mingle together while you're there to supervise. If all seems well after a few supervised playdates, move them in together!

 

[casportpony]

@casportpony , my friend, THE guru in ducks lol...advice for op? I only have 2 so noadvice from me lol

Oh, wow, it's been a long time since I raised geese, so let me tag people with more experience.
@Miss Lydia, @jtn42248, @Pyxis, @Ravynscroft, @Amiga, @WVduckchick. I am sure there are many others, but that's all I can think of right now.

 

[Unexpected chicken lover]

@casportpony i knew u would come in handy...thanx for the calls for help!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

I agree separation area but where they can socialize.Let the littles get some size before putting them altogether.

 

[Pyxis]

Definitely keep them separate. I've got some goslings right now that are about the same ages as yours and let me tell you the size difference is immense. You're right in that even if the older ones didn't mean to hurt the little ones they definitely could.

Goslings also go through a 'nasty' stage where they will not accept new babies and attack them and go after them. So they might actually try to hurt the little ones. Best to keep them separate. If you can, set up a pen so that they can see each other and interact but not come into contact with each other.

 

[GreatGranny]

Thank you so much everyone, for your input and info! We introduced our babies to their older sisters yesterday and it went great! We (our family) supervised the visit and the older goslings, Lilly and Amy, were gentle, sweet, and very attentive to the little ones! Here are my favorite pics! My hubby loves his geese and here he is walking all four in the barley grass he planted and clover! Thanks again for your help