When to introduce goslings to an adult goose? And how long for heat?

[GBov]

We have one lonely goose (Elvis by name) and he is the only survivor of his flock. We got him for free when the rest were taken, one per nigh, until he was locked up safe. He lives with the PBPs right now and he is head and shoulders taller than they are lol.

Having just gotten him three goslings, when can they get together with the adult goose? And how long do they need heat for?

They are loose with the chickens right now and the crippled hen sure is enjoying the heat lamp lol and the silkie chicks, despite having a broody hen mother, also cuddle up under it. The goslings only use it at night right now but as its still in the low 80s by day, I guess they dont feel the need for extra.

 

[Miss Lydia]

We have one lonely goose (Elvis by name) and he is the only survivor of his flock. We got him for free when the rest were taken, one per nigh, until he was locked up safe. He lives with the PBPs right now and he is head and shoulders taller than they are lol.

Having just gotten him three goslings, when can they get together with the adult goose? And how long do they need heat for?

They are loose with the chickens right now and the crippled hen sure is enjoying the heat lamp lol and the silkie chicks, despite having a broody hen mother, also cuddle up under it. The goslings only use it at night right now but as its still in the low 80s by day, I guess they dont feel the need for extra.

@GBov where abouts are you that it is still in low 80's? sounds like summer. Okay how old are the goslings and has the gander met them through fencing yet. I would do that first start letting him spend time with them through fencing [he is going to fall in love ]Once they are around 3 weeks and sturdy you can let him and them have some supervised time together. Main thing you have to remember is he won't keep them warm like a mama goose would. Gander make awesome papa gooses though. I start my gosling that I am brooding at 85* their first week and 5* degrees cooler each week there after till they are feathered in.I'd love to see some pics when you get time and I am very happy you have given the 1 remaining goose a safe home.So sad they lost all the rest . What breed are they?

 

[GBov]

@GBov where abouts are you that it is still in low 80's? sounds like summer. Okay how old are the goslings and has the gander met them through fencing yet. I would do that first start letting him spend time with them through fencing [he is going to fall in love ]Once they are around 3 weeks and sturdy you can let him and them have some supervised time together. Main thing you have to remember is he won't keep them warm like a mama goose would. Gander make awesome papa gooses though. I start my gosling that I am brooding at 85* their first week and 5* degrees cooler each week there after till they are feathered in.I'd love to see some pics when you get time and I am very happy you have given the 1 remaining goose a safe home.So sad they lost all the rest . What breed are they?

No idea what breed, he is big and white and two of the little ones are yellow and one is grey.

Not much help I know lol.

We are in Florida, about halfway down the east coast.

Its bragging season again. Makes up for the heat and bugs the rest of the year lol.

 

[Miss Lydia]

No idea what breed, he is big and white and two of the little ones are yellow and one is grey.

Not much help I know lol.

We are in Florida, about halfway down the east coast.

Its bragging season again. Makes up for the heat and bugs the rest of the year lol.

You can brag all you want I was born and raised in Florida so I know the warm weather can last and last. I think some pics are in order on your geese. Does your big White one have blue eyes?I had to share this, my gander loves any water fowl even Muscovy ducklings

He is such a great papa goose.

 

[GBov]

You can brag all you want I was born and raised in Florida so I know the warm weather can last and last. I think some pics are in order on your geese. Does your big White one have blue eyes?

Elvis does indeed have blue eyes! I have never seen a bird with blue eyes so he is new to me.

 

[GBov]

Ah pictures. Shall have to try to post them again. Not having much luck with that for some reason.

 

[tmorgan46]

What a great picture Miss Lydia!! Our White Chinese gander isn't near as nice as your papa goose, but he sure makes up for it when something or someone new approaches!! He's so funny!!

 

[Trefoil]

I don't know if my experience is the norm, but. I have 4, a trio that stays together and an extra gander that hangs with the turkey tom. They adopt the babies I have that come out of the brooder. When my geese and ducks no longer need heat, I gradually start them outside in a wire pen during the days and the geese and turkey compete with each other "guarding" them. Usually the first couple of days they chase each other around the perimeter of the pen. Usually after a few days the turkey & gander give up,leaving the trio of geese in charge. When the babies no longer need heat at night, I let them out of their wire cage and the gander gathers them into his "flock". One year I hatched out 15 runner ducks and it was so funny to watch 3 geese proudly parading around their duck babies. Just be careful of any water sources that could drown your young ones.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Ah pictures. Shall have to try to post them again. Not having much luck with that for some reason.

Maybe this will help https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/inserting-pics-in-on-the-new-byc

 

[Miss Lydia]

What a great picture Miss Lydia!! Our White Chinese gander isn't near as nice as your papa goose, but he sure makes up for it when something or someone new approaches!! He's so funny!!

I like the idea of having back up, my dogs are main watch dogs then the geese come in 2nd. keeps the riff raff away