Raising geese with chickens

[Dcb]

It does sometimes take chicks a little while to figure out they want to roost. You might try adding a temporary roost a bit lower to see if the more timid ones will use it.

I wondered about doing this. Thanks for the thought.

 

[Dcb]

They're only 6 weeks old, right? They will probably get it figured out within the next month or two. Chickens usually do.

But yes, letting the geese in to pester them in the evening might cause them to all fly up to the roosts and sit there until it is so dark they go to sleep--as long as the geese don't decide to go up too! Just be sure you let the geese in while it is still light enough for the chickens to see where they need to go, so they aren't stuck on the floor in the dark with mean geese.

Yes, this is a work in progress. I hope they pullets will decide to use the roosts as they grow older and wiser (?) The last time I raised geese and chickens they lived together without issues. I just can't remember how I did it exactly. I have a ramp for the chickens to get to their roosts. Given my childhood experience and earlier adult experience with geese I don't believe the geese will use the ramp. But I'll be paying close attention.

 

[Dcb]

I've noticed the last couple of days that my gander has a slight respiratory issue. He shakes his head, and seems to have a little conjestion. He is eating and drinking well, and his behavior is active. Eyes are clear. I wonder if there might be fungus from the wood shavings in the goose area. I do daily cleaning taking out what is wet and the obvious poops, then stirring the bedding adding fresh dry bedding once a week or so. Any thoughts out there?

 

[TwoCrows]

I've noticed the last couple of days that my gander has a slight respiratory issue. He shakes his head, and seems to have a little conjestion. He is eating and drinking well, and his behavior is active. Eyes are clear. I wonder if there might be fungus from the wood shavings in the goose area. I do daily cleaning taking out what is wet and the obvious poops, then stirring the bedding adding fresh dry bedding once a week or so. Any thoughts out there?

You might post in our Geese forums for more help https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/geese.47/ possibly even our Emergency forums https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/ I hope your Goose is ok!

 

[tribalacres]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[Dcb]

You might post in our Geese forums for more help https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/geese.47/ possibly even our Emergency forums https://www.backyardchickens.com/forums/emergencies-diseases-injuries-and-cures.10/ I hope your Goose is ok!

Thank you for the link!! I had been hoping for a goose forum to supplement the chicken one. I hadn't found it yet. Much appreciated!!