What would you do?

[goosedragon]

Quote:
Posted by mistake I was having problems with my computer when this happened and didn't realize it had posted. Sorry!

 

[Willowbrook]

I did exactly what you did when I wanted exhibition Runner Ducks. I did order from Holderreads and have to say I was very pleased and satisfied with the shipment.
Yes, it is expensive. I wouldn't disagree with that. BUT, if you have the money and from the sound of your situation, if you want geese to go with your soon-to-be one year old, you might have to do this.
For a pair of geese you won't need two boxes. They ship a pair to a box as I picked up a pair of Sebastopols for a friend of mine.
The birds arrived safely and without incident.
If you can affort it, do it and tell youself it's an early birthday/holiday present to youself.
Of course, it does help if you are single and there isn't anyone else to consider!

 

[Mojo Chick'n]

Well, the only experience I have with acquiring adult geese was Benny and Joon - and you know how that turned out.

It might be more of a risk to get a pair, but I'd go with babies - at least then you could raise them with your other birds and not have obnoxious bullies right out of the box.

meri

 

[rainplace]

If you have the money, you really can't go wrong with Holderreads. I just picked up 3 black runners and 2 more black silky ducks from them yesterday. The differences in these ducks (looks) compared to my others is just astounding. I spent $50 per duck, rented a car, and stayed in a motel. So I spent about $400 and had a 12 hour drive for 5 ducks. It's what I wanted and I had the money to do it.

I would do it again.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Quote:
Also, they said they are raising the geese now for this fall's sales, so the ones I'd get would be about the same age as the one I already have. I don't know, I really want them, I'll have to figure it out.

Thanks.

 

[shelleyd2008]

Mojo Chick'n :

Well, the only experience I have with acquiring adult geese was Benny and Joon - and you know how that turned out.

It might be more of a risk to get a pair, but I'd go with babies - at least then you could raise them with your other birds and not have obnoxious bullies right out of the box.

meri

Yeah, I thought about that. I wonder if they were penned up for a while and 'messed with' if that would make a difference?​

 

[protodon]

My theory is they are a bit expensive but if you plan to breed and hatch you'd never have to buy them again. I mean is the price for these birds going to be going down soon? And considering their rarity will they always be available to you? They certainly will if you have your own flock in your backyard. Think of it as a lifetime subscription.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
The numbers will increase (supply) but as more people become aware of these pretty geese demand will increase too. 15 years ago Sebs were rare and expensive too, now only top quality birds are expensive. I expect the American Blue will follow the same route.

 

[Germaine_11.20]

Well, if you really want them then get them. So you have to pinch pennies for awhile your baby will have a family.
The only other consideration is that when you hatch them out they are supposed to bond to you more.
You can always hatch out some too when the eggs are available.

 

[Kim65]

I sort of did what you are contemplating . . . I live four hours north of Holderreads and got a pair of American Lavender Ice goslings from their last hatch on June 7 or 8. I drove down, paid 55 bucks a piece for them (they are from show quality stock).

I plan to sell their fertile eggs, but don't care much about making back the money because I got them as pets.

So far the female has the best coloring, but they are in their juvenile molt and according to Holderread, will darken afterward. So far, from what little I know, their conformation is correct so far.

They have been perfectly healthy and always more interested in greens than feed (like a natural goose would be, I suppose) and have grown out superbly eating mostly my back yard lawn.

I wasn't able to tour Holderreads but from the front yard

I met the owners and they are wonderful, devoted and deeply knowledgeable people, and their birds live in a waterfowl paradise.