Yesterday a Canadian wild goose was killed on my pond by a coyote while sitting on 7 eggs. I went and bought an incubator and got them in it. The male is hanging around but would not sit on the eggs. So if I don't let them imprint on me when they hatch, how likely is it that pop will take his babies back and take care of them? Anyone? I do have a large pond and 1 pair usually nest here every year so I know the male helps. Also he has been getting close to me (10ft) to get snacks that I'm bribing him with to encourage him to stay till these guys hatch. The eggs are jiggling around in there! Any ideas? And I have never hatched anything before, so all help appreciated.
If he hangs around he may very well 'adopt' the goslings. As a kid I had a human imprinted Embden gander who adopted a half dozen goslings and decided that he preferred them to me.
