Pilgrim goose behavior

[trista85]

Hi! I have a trio of pilgrim geese and a male that seems to have an attitude. I chose pilgrims because they are supposed to be a more calm breed, and they are - except this one. They were hatched in late April so I’m hoping it’s just teenage hormones but he’s annoying me. Most of the time he’s friendly (to me, he hates my husband) but he will also try climbing on me and biting - it was not bad at first, mostly the little grooming nibbles but it has become biting that will leave a bruise. Part of me thinks he’s decided that I’m his girlfriend, he gets upset and doubles down on the behavior if I push him away or tell him no. I’ve had chickens for years now but these are my first geese, is this normal teenaged behavior that will eventually even out or is he just going to be challenging? He’s not charging or anything, I can pick him up when he’s acting like this and then he’ll relax and drop his head.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

There are members who handle their geese and hopefully they can give some advice. I personally don't. I do know we are past the winter solstice, and are under increasing light. Hormones are already starting to increase, and at that age sexually maturity for your gander. It may get worse. Hopefully he turns his attention to the females. Personally I would not encourage his forward behavior, and would carry something to block him, but as I've stated I don't handle mine, so hopefully someone else like @Goosebaby can help out.

 

[Goosebaby]

Hi! I have a trio of pilgrim geese and a male that seems to have an attitude. I chose pilgrims because they are supposed to be a more calm breed, and they are - except this one. They were hatched in late April so I’m hoping it’s just teenage hormones but he’s annoying me. Most of the time he’s friendly (to me, he hates my husband) but he will also try climbing on me and biting - it was not bad at first, mostly the little grooming nibbles but it has become biting that will leave a bruise. Part of me thinks he’s decided that I’m his girlfriend, he gets upset and doubles down on the behavior if I push him away or tell him no. I’ve had chickens for years now but these are my first geese, is this normal teenaged behavior that will eventually even out or is he just going to be challenging? He’s not charging or anything, I can pick him up when he’s acting like this and then he’ll relax and drop his head.

He sounds hormonal for sure. It could be he’s trying to proposition you if he’s trying to climb on you, I would gently divert him but allow him to hang out with you if he wants, just remember he can’t really control his emotions right now, and an amorous gander is easier to deal with then a gander that’s decided you’re his rival.
For bites you can grab his beak and say “no,” he’ll get the idea slowly.