Shaking Heads

[jsullivan704]

I have about a two month old goose and duck, the duck runs away from me no matter what. But usually the goose runs up to me and does a little dance when he sees me, flapping his wings and jumping up and down. But today when I went to pet him like usual, he started shaking his head. Like vibrating, I notice the duck does that too when he feels threatened or mad. Is that a sign of aggression?

Neither of them have ever bit me besides when they were very tiny and nibbling my fingers. I’m new to behavior of geese and ducks, so sometimes i’m not sure if they are happy or upset. They coo, almost when they see me, or when I give them treats. I guess what i’m getting at, is shaking always a bad thing? And what are other signs of aggression or happiness in geese and ducks?

 

[The goose girl]

I see the neck shaking as apprehension. Geese don't preen each other, so they have to overcome their natural instincts when we pet them.

 

[Magnolia Ducks]

I don't know what it signifies but my gander does it regularly when he comes up to me. Normal goose behavior.

 

[sourland]

It sounds like welcoming behavior to a returning flock mate.