Newly widowed goose "sleeping around" ??!

[farmdude]

I took in a pair of African geese a few years back. The male died a couple of weeks ago. I was concerned about her being lonely and wondered if she would accept any of the bachelor Ganders in the pen. She has. I've seen her mating with more than one. I thought geese were monogamous?
I'm wondering if she is willing or being raped?
The most aggressive Gander, an Embden, is the youngest one. He hatched out last year.Can he be fertile at this young age?
I'm new to geese breeding behavior and don't know what is going on.
Should I seperate her with the Gander I'd prefer her to be with, (another African)?
I just want her to be happy and am willing to let her choose her own mate. But at this point she appears to be just "sleeping around".
Any advice or insight is appreciated.

 

[gryeyes]

I am, by no means, an expert on geese. However, before "monogamous" birds settle down with their mates, they kinda sorta have to take a few test drives to find the best partner. It's not like marrying your first love in High School.

So to speak. Since we're attributing human motives to waterfowl behavior.

 

[farmdude]

I am, by no means, an expert on geese. However, before "monogamous" birds settle down with their mates, they kinda sorta have to take a few test drives to find the best partner. It's not like marrying your first love in High School.

So to speak. Since we're attributing human motives to waterfowl behavior.

I thought that might be the case, but what do I know?
I'm middle aged and still test driving myself.

 

[gryeyes]

I thought that might be the case, but what do I know?
I'm middle aged and still test driving myself.

I resemble that last remark. Minus any recent ummmm... test drives..... I'm hoping it will be like the old adage, "You never forget how to ride a bicycle."

Can't have our widowed geese get rusty valves or anything.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I resemble that last remark. Minus any recent ummmm... test drives..... I'm hoping it will be like the old adage, "You never forget how to ride a bicycle."

Can't have our widowed geese get rusty valves or anything.

 

[sourland]

I am, by no means, an expert on geese. However, before "monogamous" birds settle down with their mates, they kinda sorta have to take a few test drives to find the best partner. It's not like marrying your first love in High School.

So to speak. Since we're attributing human motives to waterfowl behavior.

This is true. Also she no longer has the protection of a mate so she may have become 'anybodies'. I would suggest separating and penning her with the gander that you want her to bond with.

About the 'test driving'. Are we bragging or complaining here?

 

[Oregon Blues]

Nobody rapes a goose. She is capable of beating the tar out of any gander who offends her.

She is going to be laying eggs, no matter what, and she wants those eggs to hatch. She will probably eventually choose a pair bond out of the available males. She needs a gander to defend her nest but at this point, the only bonded mate she wants is the one who died.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Nobody rapes a goose. She is capable of beating the tar out of any gander who offends her.

She is going to be laying eggs, no matter what, and she wants those eggs to hatch. She will probably eventually choose a pair bond out of the available males. She needs a gander to defend her nest but at this point, the only bonded mate she wants is the one who died.

it's so sad when they loose their mate.

 

[farmdude]

Nobody rapes a goose. She is capable of beating the tar out of any gander who offends her.

She is going to be laying eggs, no matter what, and she wants those eggs to hatch. She will probably eventually choose a pair bond out of the available males. She needs a gander to defend her nest but at this point, the only bonded mate she wants is the one who died.

she has laid her first egg today.
It will be interesting to see who guards her when she decides to sit.
BTW, thanks for the replies!

 

[Miss Lydia]

she has laid her first egg today.
It will be interesting to see who guards her when she decides to sit.
BTW, thanks for the replies!

Keep us updated please...