new to geese

[jdywntr]

We picked up two 3 week old brown chinese goslings the other day. I got a very large one and a small one in the hopes that they would be male and female. This morning I let them out in the fenced area and went to do some work in the front of the house. About 30 minutes later I was going to get something and I heard what sounded like goslings peeping but in the wrong area. They somehow got out of the fenced area and were in the pasture. I saw the little one and called her and she came through the fence to me. I picked her up and looked around and saw the bigger one, dead.

I don't know what got it but was wondering if a donkey or horse would kill a gosling. There were 2 areas on its neck that looked like the skin/fluff were scraped off in an up and down direction not punctures but just scrapes about 1/4 wide. One of the donkeys was very close by.

So I learned my lesson the hard way and will not be allowing the goslings out unsupervised unless they are in an enclosed area.

I know they are flock animals and I found someone close by who was selling african goslings so I went and picked up 4 friends for my poor little chinese. So I now have two 1 week old and two 2 week old africans and a 3 week old chinese goslings. They are getting along well, though the ducks don't like them and are currently in the yard in a extra large wire dog crate with shading over the top. I will put them up in the coop at night.

The 2 chinese I lost the big one in the back.


The africans and the chinese

 

[Kevin565]

Yes a spooked Donkey or horse could kill a gosling. However, I think it would basically crush the gosling from impact of a hoof not partial scrape the neck but I could be wrong.

 

[jdywntr]

thanks Kevin.

I would just be surprised if something came out that close (15') from a donkey. I found the gosling right after it was killed and the other one was basically right with it, which I didn't think it would be if a predator had come.
I guess it really doesn't matter. I learned my lesson and will not leave them until I am 100% sure there are no gaps/holes in the fencing.

 

[mrpekinduck]

The donkey could have bit it and the blunt teeth of a donkey could have just ripped fuzz off and not punctured it

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

The donkey not having seen the, before could have tought they were a threat and acted accordingly. Sorry for your loss, but glad you found more goslings close by to get for the survivor.

 

[jdywntr]

The donkey could have bit it and the blunt teeth of a donkey could have just ripped fuzz off and not punctured it

Thats what I was thinking. Broken neck from being picked up and shaken a bit. It stinks because he has the leader and would come when he heard/saw me even after a few days. The new ones are doing well. The older one is acting the mom to the little ones. It is very cute seeing them all cuddled together. I can't wait until they are a little bigger and I can let them out of the kennel that they are in during the day.

I did reinforce the 6' older fencing with a new 3' high section. I am planning on building a duck and goose house, they will each have a side and then I can get them out of the chicken coop and get some chickens.
Any advice on introducing them to ducks? I have five 3 month old muscovy that are not thrilled with the geese (thats why they are seperate). They are next to each other now but if I let the geese loose, the ducks will pic at them.

 

[plantcityhomestead]

Thats what I was thinking. Broken neck from being picked up and shaken a bit. It stinks because he has the leader and would come when he heard/saw me even after a few days. The new ones are doing well. The older one is acting the mom to the little ones. It is very cute seeing them all cuddled together. I can't wait until they are a little bigger and I can let them out of the kennel that they are in during the day.

I did reinforce the 6' older fencing with a new 3' high section. I am planning on building a duck and goose house, they will each have a side and then I can get them out of the chicken coop and get some chickens.
Any advice on introducing them to ducks? I have five 3 month old muscovy that are not thrilled with the geese (thats why they are seperate). They are next to each other now but if I let the geese loose, the ducks will pic at them.

I am sure one of the other geese will step into that leader role. It is so hard to loose a goose that had formed a relationship with you. I am so glad you were able to find some new buddies for both you and the little one.
I had smaller ducks that were bullied by the geese. I think a muscovy will hold its own with any goose, I would keep them close, but separated until the geese get a little older. If they are closer to the same size there, if are problems you would have more time for a rescue. I would give them lots of room when you make the introduction so they would not feel threatened.