Unexpected new goose

[Zay]

My family went to a feed store and brought back a goose. Mind you we’ve never had a goose before and we have no idea how to take care of one. Any suggestions? (Also it keeps trying to eat my cloths. It’s cute now, but I get the feeling that it’s gonna hurt when it’s older.)

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

@Goosebaby

 

[Brooke_R]

Do you have ducks? I think taking care of geese is about the same as ducks. Goosebaby could give much better advice lol

 

[JRies]

You now have a new buddy Geese are incredible the best thing you could do is get another goose. It will imprint on you immediately but will always do better with a buddy. Iv had a single goose hatch "UNO"able to imprint with ducks before and she still only likes ducks so that might be a 2nd choice. But if you good get a 2nd gosling that would be great. Geese are incredible. Congratulations. But Goose Baby is right stand your ground always teach your geese that you are the top bird in the flock.

 

[Miss Lydia]

My family went to a feed store and brought back a goose. Mind you we’ve never had a goose before and we have no idea how to take care of one. Any suggestions? (Also it keeps trying to eat my cloths. It’s cute now, but I get the feeling that it’s gonna hurt when it’s older.)View attachment 3075547

You picked up feed for the little one I hope?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/geese.31/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/geese-sticky-topics-index.497391/

 

[Goosebaby]

Everyone else is right, you need a good waterfowl or all flock type start, Purina flock raiseris decent.
Chick start is too low in protein and b vitamins for geese and ducks so avoid chick start.

Geese do better with a friend, so you should consider getting a second gosling, gender doesn’t matter with geese.

Spend lots of time and give lots of snuggles to them, they’ll grow up to adore you and whoever they spend a lot of time with, anyone who spends less time with them they might not consider their family.
This is true for when they’re adults too, relationships need maintenance.

 

[Zay]

You picked up feed for the little one I hope?
https://www.backyardchickens.com/articles/categories/geese.31/
https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/geese-sticky-topics-index.497391/

Yes, I got it all flock starter, and some probiotic water to help with hydration since it’s really dry here

 

[Miss Lydia]

How's the little one doing?

 

[Callender Girl]

Congrats on getting a gosling -- even if you didn't intend to have one! I adore all of my poultry, but geese have personality plus. I fell in love the first time I saw a brooder full of goslings at the farm store. When I went back two days later, only two babies were left. Of course, they both came home with me!

I'm not surprised baby goose is nibbling at your clothes. Even as adults, my American Buff girls explore EVERYTHING by nibbling at it, including chunks of wood trim on the house, chain link fencing, plastic food dishes, whatever.

And, yes, when they really bite down, it will hurt. Sometimes, they mistake my hand for a treat, and sometimes, I think they are just pulling a fast one -- pretending that they thought I had food when they were really just mad that I didn't.

Taking care of them is more similar to caring for ducks than for chickens; they are less concerned about precipitation and will gladly sit in an exposed heated water dish while it snows. Housing is also much simpler because of their attitude about weather.

Some people have geese that seem to be good "watch dogs," mine used to alert me to visitors. Apparently, that job is no longer appealing. Motorcycles on the roadway scare the crap out of them, but they have finally learned that farm equipment in the surrounding fields will not attack them. When an eagle passes overhead, however, they sound the alarm for everyone to take cover.

My two girls are inseparable, and neither seems interested in making friends with any other species. If you can get a second gosling, it's probably a good idea.

In any case, best wishes with that precious baby!

 

[Zay]

How's the little one doing?

It follows me every where! It’ll flap it’s stubby little wings wattle with me and then fall over. It seems like a very happy and healthy little goose! I’m looking into buying it some goose friends although it has taken a liking to its chicken and turkey friends. Will they still get along like that when they’re older?