Submissive behaviour?

[Leader Bee]

So one of my ganders, Beep Beep, has started acting a little odd lately and I think it's submissive behaviour (Even though he still tries to bite me every now and again) i'd just like the opinion of some more experienced goose owners please?

He used to let me stroke his head without too much of an issue but what he does sometimes lately is similar to bathing behaviour in that he'll drop his chest and head all the way down to the floor, tilt his head sideways as if "Dipping it all the way in to get wet" and stand up again, repeating the process. I know geese sometimes display this behaviour without water needign to be present but he'll only do this at my feet and usually when i try to touch him - I can only assume lowering his chest, neck and head (or bowing) is asubmissive gesture but I don't know why, i'm not mean to him? lol.

Any opinions appreciated.

 

[Goosebaby]

He’s feeling randy

 

[Leader Bee]

Hahaha is that really what it is?

 

[Goosebaby]

Hahaha is that really what it is?

Yeah I’m not sure what to call it exactly, like a courting bow.

 

[Leader Bee]

Oh good grief. lol the "courtship curtsey"

OMG you're absolutely right! I just crouched on the floor and started bowing back to him and after a few attempts he started doing it back!

 

[Goosebaby]

Oh good grief. lol the "courtship curtsey"

OMG you're absolutely right! I just crouched on the floor and started bowing back to him and after a few attempts he started doing it back!

Geese, just when we think we’ve figured it all out, they throw fresh drama our way!

On the bright side you know for sure he likes you!

 

[Leader Bee]

I dont want his affections if it means biting my arm as hard as he can and not letting go while he mounts me!

 

[iturnknobs]

Sounds like my favorite gander that I just had to give away. This morning, it would appear that I have taken his place in the "pecking order". My larger(only) gander decided he wanted me dead this morning when I went out to the enclosure. We fought for over 5 minutes. I kept pinning his head to the ground firmly saying "NO!". Eventually I was able to clean the bedding(bloody hands and all). Enjoy the sexual advances. They're much more gentle.

 

[iturnknobs]

I dont want his affections if it means biting my arm as hard as he can and not letting go while he mounts me!

I'm pretty sure if this is what is going on, your bird has not yet bitten you as hard as he can. Something to look forward to....

 

[Leader Bee]

I love him, but "not like that"