Will they adopt?

[ironjerry]

I have one male and two female Chinese Geese who hopefully will adopt the four babies that just hatched. The babies are from the adults but I put them in the incubator as they just laid eggs but never sat. I took the babies that hatched yesterday and put them in a box on the lawn. The adults just walked up showing much interest. I dumped the box over and the babies ran to the adults. They have been following them all around the yard and now into the barn once it is getting dark. I put a feeder and waterer in the barn when they were out side. I have a small stream running through the yard and all the fowl go there to drink. I do not know if I should go and get them or leave them with the adults. they seem to have accepted them. Anyone out there ever do this?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I have one male and two female Chinese Geese who hopefully will adopt the four babies that just hatched. The babies are from the adults but I put them in the incubator as they just laid eggs but never sat. I took the babies that hatched yesterday and put them in a box on the lawn. The adults just walked up showing much interest. I dumped the box over and the babies ran to the adults. They have been following them all around the yard and now into the barn once it is getting dark. I put a feeder and waterer in the barn when they were out side. I have a small stream running through the yard and all the fowl go there to drink. I do not know if I should go and get them or leave them with the adults. they seem to have accepted them. Anyone out there ever do this?

I would be concerned about them being cold, can you see if anyone is keeping the goslings warm. That would be my main concern. After i was sure they had been accepted by everyone.

 

[Iain Utah]

Congrats!!! I hatched out a 4 pack of goslings to give to my pair of adult ganders. Our weather was not warm enough to risk letting the parents adopt them before too early, nor did I have geese to help keep babies warm. But, those ganders are overly protective of their goslings and since turning them out, they are a happy flock.

 

[Oregon Blues]

If you can sneak out there without disturbing the adults, if it is nightfall and the geese have adopted, they will have the goslings tucked under their wings.

 

[ironjerry]

They have adopted them. They all walk them around the yard and had them under them in the barn. I was wirried but I think they will be ok. I am still putting food and water in the barn for them.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They have adopted them. They all walk them around the yard and had them under them in the barn. I was wirried but I think they will be ok. I am still putting food and water in the barn for them.