4 goslings and 2 adults in the nursery/hatchery pen. The youngest gosling is 3 days old today about the others are 4,5,6 days old.
The geese typically run around on the property free range. I've had them in the nest/pen area for the whole month of setting/hatching/etc. with pen open for adults to come and go from nest but when hatched everyone got locked down for the past week. It has grass/etc. and is pretty nice but the adults are wanting out with the family to go walking about.
Are the babies too young to venture to the pond?
The pond has catfish (not huge but medium size) and red-eared turtles small to medium (I was told they are not the type that eat baby ducks/geese) and it is in open area with some reeds around it and all but getting there they have to cross about a 100' open field from the house to the pond.
Should I go and stand by watching for MR HAWK? He's the problem out here - red-tail chicken hawks/etc. But it's big sky so usually we see him coming. He hasn't bothered the geese but I don't want any problems!
I take the chickens on walkabout with a big stick!
Is it too early or should I let them out and go swim/play at the pond?
The geese typically run around on the property free range. I've had them in the nest/pen area for the whole month of setting/hatching/etc. with pen open for adults to come and go from nest but when hatched everyone got locked down for the past week. It has grass/etc. and is pretty nice but the adults are wanting out with the family to go walking about.
Are the babies too young to venture to the pond?
The pond has catfish (not huge but medium size) and red-eared turtles small to medium (I was told they are not the type that eat baby ducks/geese) and it is in open area with some reeds around it and all but getting there they have to cross about a 100' open field from the house to the pond.
Should I go and stand by watching for MR HAWK? He's the problem out here - red-tail chicken hawks/etc. But it's big sky so usually we see him coming. He hasn't bothered the geese but I don't want any problems!
I take the chickens on walkabout with a big stick!
Is it too early or should I let them out and go swim/play at the pond?