The Colonel & Mrs. Marple

[buddywakefield]

Hi All and warm regards,

We've had two geese, The Colonel & Mrs. Marple, for about 9 months, raised together by us from a couple weeks old. They imprinted on us and were also very much in love with each other, but Mrs. Marple died a few days ago and I'm trying to remedy as much of The Colonel's heartache as I can.

Judging from what I've read thus far, it seems that male geese won't likely accept a new mate, and that they aren't keen on being introduced to a new flock, and The Colonel has only ever been top goose and with us at home (his own safe house at night, a pond and a couple acres to free range).

Since he was originally raised also with 4 male ducks (who The Colonel adored, but we gave them away out of concern for the drakes' aggressions/Mrs. Marple) I'm thinking it might be best to find 2 or 3 new drakes who are only a few months old or around The Colonel's age. We are not able to get the original 4 back.

My question's are:
1) Does this sound like a smart, realistic plan?
2) Are there repercussions I'm not considering?
3) Should I attempt to introduce a new goose/geese, or is what I've read thus far pretty accurate (re: The Colonel not likely to take well to other geese now)?
4) Any suggestions?

If you or anyone you know are in the Seattle area, especially on the Kitsap Peninsula, and have male ducks needing a home, we've got a fantastic crew of chickens, Tucker the kind dog, Roger the arrogant cat, and The Colonel for them to join.

Many thanks in advance for any information leading to The Colonel's relief,
Buddy

 

[sourland]

Sorry to hear about your loss. He most likely will accept another mate fairly readily. Sexually mature male ducks in many instances present a nightmare. Personally I would be very hesitant at adding male ducks. Good luck at resolving this.

 

[RURU]

Sorry to hear of your loss. I do not recocmend getting adult drake ducks..... He will accept another female. So think about getting him another one for him.

 

[Miss Lydia]

He may even accept young ducklings and or goslings, my gander became Papa goose to all our Muscovy ducklings that hatched this yr. But for ducklings or goslings you'd proibably have to wait till spring. I bet he would accept another female goose though, we waited 5 yrs before getting out gander a goose friend, He is in love. You just have to give him a little time to grieve. But I bet in the meantime you could be watching craiglist, BYC buy sell trade thread, feed store you never know you may find him a friend pretty quick. So sorry for your loss,