Reluctant geese ??

[shailey]

I've had my geese for about three years now, and have never had this issue before. I'm not sure if I'm just being way over paranoid or if there might be something to this, haha. Lately, my geese, who've gone in willingly for so long now are suddenly not wanting to. I'm still able to herd them in but if they notice me they run back to their pond. I've pondered over it for a bit now, but nothing I've read or come up with seems to describe this behavior. They don't have a nest, there haven't been any changes, and I know they aren't afraid of me. Once I get them going towards the barn they give in and wonder there by themselves just fine, almost to say "okay, you caught us." I also noticed the three females don't seem to be eating. I can get the males to eat just fine, but the girls won't. they seem a little rough around the edges now, as well. Little on the thin side, feathers are a little dull.. just not their usual selves. I considered maybe the change I Gander could have thrown them for a loop but that happened about a year ago now, so I'm not sure if they'd be getting upset about it now. If anyone has any tips or insight into this it would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Goosebaby]

I wonder if they saw a predator in the barn, something small that could have snuck in like a snake or raccoon.

Not eating is very serious, could one of the others be refusing to let them eat, it happens. Numerous health issues can cause that, anything from coccidia to viral, bacterial, or toxins. Have you observed any excessive head shaking, runny noses, coughing up fluid? Does anyone’s droppings look runny, black, red/brown, or bright runny green? Have you seen them eating dirt?

 

[shailey]

I did some investigating of their coop and did find a nest of some sort in the top parts of their coop, not sure if its bird or rat, though. We did have a few rats running around but have since killed them off, but they may have made a comeback and are scaring the kiddos. We have rat snakes but they don't bother with the goose coop. They do seem to be taking more naps than usual, which could point to them being scared of something in the barn, causing them to stay up or be on high alert. I also noticed that they stopped sleeping in the back of their pen, they stay closer to the door and just stand there, instead of eating and retreating to the back to sleep. Could be do to the nest? Their droppings are fine from what I can see. I know that the two males eat fine and that one gander is not the best, he tends to pick on the females, could be some cause of this as well. I tried offering them food outside of their coop, and the females seemed interested, they came right up, but still wouldn't take it. I'm really wondering if it has something to do with the gander. I know the females still graze whilst they're out but that's surely not enough to keep them healthy. No excessive head shaking, runny nose, or coughing from what I've observed thus far, but ill keep an eye out.

Thanks so much for the help ^^