The African and Chinese goose thread!!

[NathanZee]

Okay, I'll just stick to having them take off naturally.

 

[Stormy Cashmere]

My gander and chickens have been living in one pen for a while and I've noticed some things. At first the chickens would gang up on the gander and he'd scream. But now,whenever there's danger,they run behind him. And the chickens used to hate water,but now they'll get in the pool and just chill. When it gets dark,the gander will round them up and stand in the door of the chicken coop until I put them up. Have they bonded? Is this good?

 

[Miss Lydia]

My gander and chickens have been living in one pen for a while and I've noticed some things. At first the chickens would gang up on the gander and he'd scream. But now,whenever there's danger,they run behind him. And the chickens used to hate water,but now they'll get in the pool and just chill. When it gets dark,the gander will round them up and stand in the door of the chicken coop until I put them up. Have they bonded? Is this good?

Sounds like he has become their papa goose. since he is the only goose? maybe that is why he has bonded to them.

 

[ryangosling]

Does anyone here sell show quality African goslings? I'm getting into 4-H and I know my mix breeds won't cut it. Any advice or recommendations is greatly appreciated I'm located in North Central WV

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Does anyone here sell show quality African goslings? I'm getting into 4-H and I know my mix breeds won't cut it. Any advice or recommendations is greatly appreciated

I'm located in North Central WV

Welcome to BYC!! Wonderful, helpful people here and so much help to learn!
https://www.backyardchickens.com/f/34/other-poultry-birds-hatching-eggs
is a good place to check also, its BYC members. You could also post and "ISO" (in search of) a breeder close to you.
Good luck with your search.

 

[Goosegrrl]

Yesterday I was out in the back yard dead heading some flowers(my red Pentas are looking nice right now), and next thing I know my trio is right behind me pinching at my bottom!

They are still a bunch of sweet lil puppies. <3
So I turned around and sat in the grass and talked to them for a while... goosegoosegoose.
And they chatted back, and nibbled on me, and let me pet them under the chin and on their breasts. I really love their soft brown eyes.


One thing that I did notice that was a little weird...
My male was, for a lack of a better description, "shivering" his neck.
Anyone know what this is?
Is it just him being a silly teenager? The girls don't do it at all.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Yesterday I was out in the back yard dead heading some flowers(my red Pentas are looking nice right now), and next thing I know my trio is right behind me pinching at my bottom!

They are still a bunch of sweet lil puppies. <3
So I turned around and sat in the grass and talked to them for a while... goosegoosegoose.
And they chatted back, and nibbled on me, and let me pet them under the chin and on their breasts. I really love their soft brown eyes.


One thing that I did notice that was a little weird...
My male was, for a lack of a better description, "shivering" his neck.
Anyone know what this is?
Is it just him being a silly teenager? The girls don't do it at all.

Your gander is growing up, this is typical of ganders and I think it means excitement or nervous maybe both. Sounds like you have a great relationship with your trio, Just remember as breeding season gets closer your gander may change his behavior with you so don't take it personally if he acts all possessive of his girls. He will still love you but those hormones start getting in the way.

 

[Goosegrrl]

I don't anticipate a big rush of hormones from him until spring... which should be around March here I think.
And I do realize that he is going to get a bit gonzo on me and protective of his ladies. Most especially in his first flush I guess. I understand that.
Despite all the puppy behavior out of my young'uns , I don't let any goose bully me when they are feeling their oats, so to speak.

I don't think I've seen this with ganders as much because I've always dealt with older, mature, boys before.
Also, ones that weren't hand raised and as friendly... so they tended to stay further away from people.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

That shudder they do, mostly ganders! I read/interpret that action as frustration. Gee (white Chinese) does it when he wants corn, lol. I ferment whole corn as a treat and he gets so irritated if I didn't get the bucket out yet! I think of it as a teenage kid not getting what they want NOW.

 

[Goosegrrl]

That shudder they do, mostly ganders! I read/interpret that action as frustration. Gee (white Chinese) does it when he wants corn, lol. I ferment whole corn as a treat and he gets so irritated if I didn't get the bucket out yet! I think of it as a teenage kid not getting what they want NOW.

That may indeed be the answer... he was probably begging for green peas.
Girls- content with some chatting and petting.
Boy- look at me standing here dying of hunger mom!
Silly teenagers! My son was exactly like that not so many years ago.