replacing a lost (to a coyote) goose

[grannyh]

I have a 4 yr old Chinese gander that recently lost his mate. What is the best way to replace the goose? They were raised with 6 hens and a roo was recently introduced. They free range during the day and share the same predator-proof pen at night. There is a chicken house and a goose house, but the roo dominates both and all the feed dishes...besides chasing the gander around. I'll have to find a mature goose, right? And will she likely be accepted by the gander? The pen is about 35' X 40'. Will the "dynamics" be too much for the same enclosure? I would appreciate any and all advice. These were my first geese. David is very sad and lonely.

 

[Kevin565]

I'm very sorry for your loss.

.

In this situation I would personally opt for a mature goose. I would still suggest quarantine to prevent passing on any illnesses to your current birds.

Would it be possible to partition off a small area for a few days? I personally start the introduction by allowing birds to see each other without getting to each other.

 

[Miss Lydia]

And to add to this I would consider separate housing for the geese and run too if that is how you keep them, way too much stress placed on them by a roo who keeps after them alot.

Very sorry for you loss.
any breed will work too.

 

[Speilb]

A mature female would be great but I wouldn't worry too much if you have to get a young one. I think it is more important to get him a companion soon then finding the right one. Some other considerations might be getting a new young rooster and getting rid of your current one. Or you might consider getting rid of you Chinese to someone else and getting Africans which I think would be able to handle your rooster. Or maybe just removing the spurs from the rooster could help. Also if you can get a goose and she lays eggs I would anticipate the gander will become dominant but the overthrow could be rough if the rooster has spurs.

 

[grannyh]

Thank you all! I found 2 Toulouse only 3 hours away. They took to the gander right away and are doing fine! I have them separated from the roo for now and I believe my daughter will take the roo. All's well!