To celebrate new additions to my flock. Yesterday, I drove across the Cascade Mountains to pick up a 6 year old Pomeranian gander and a 9 month old Pomeranian goose from Holderread. The gander has a lovely temperament. He looked around, said, "OK, then" and has strolled around exploring. He's pretty much ignored me. He moves off slightly and watches me without any alarm. The poor little goose is convinced I am going to grab her, stuff her into a small box, and drive her over windy, bumpy mountain roads for hours. She doesn't want anything to do with me and moves away quickly, watching me suspiciously. Both of them are noticeably slimmer than my geese. Since Holderread knows what he is doing, that is probably the proper weight and mine are probably too fat.
It was well worth the drive. Holderread is wonderful to talk too. He told me all about the pedigree of my geese, where he got them, who the breeders were for generations. I also got breeding advice for the Pomeranians and for the Appleyards that I bought from him last year. He shared his opinions on the SOP and on showing and judging.
Congrats, that is great that you could go pick up some of his stock, not to mention getting the opportunity to meet DH and talk to him about your ducks, and geese.
Hi Oregon Congratulations and consider the champagne cork well and truly popped. Congratulation on your pair of Poms from DH - you lucky thing getting a great pair and the opportunity to chat to DH, especially as it seems he's reducing his flock. Dont forget to get some pictures once they've settled in with you and once again Congratulations Pete
Oh that would be so neat to go and visit Holderreads. I've wanted their stock, but it was out of my reach for what I wanted to do with my waterfowl. I bet they are beautiful birds!
How awesome! I would love to visit the Holderread Farm... but it's a 4 day drive one way for me! Congrats on your new (svelt) geese, sounds like you lucked out on the gander being so great. ~pictures of your pretty new gooses?
I have to give them a couple of days to clean themselves up before I take photos. There has been the most horrendous storm in the Pacific Northwest and everybody has been flooded. My new geese were coated in mud. Plus, I am trying to not disturb them while they get settled in. Holderread keeps his birds on nice pastures and his pens were mud bogs. He must have gotten some flooding. Some of my BYC friends have been stranded, unable to get out their driveways with power out. It's been bad. I could look down the hill and see some of the pens and birds, but, of course, no one is allowed to get close to the pens because of bio-security. If I ever go again, I will take binoculars so I can see the birds better. By the way, he had adult ducks all boxed up and someone was expected after I was there. So there are adult ducks going out right now, too. I couldn't see what breed.
That is SO awesome Oregon: I can't wait to see pictures! I am very glad things worked out and you got these geese. So, about the breeding advice he offered and his opinion on the SOP...are you willing to share?
The weather has been horrid out there lately. My old apartment in Salem was under 4 ft. of water! I have a photo sent by a friend of a trout crossing the road. A trout!
