Geese, which breed? *update with pics*

[dwbonfire]

So I let the geese out today, they picked around at some grass and it was funny to watch them pick up leaves and twigs and put them down behind them, like moving them out of their way! It was really cute. They were talking a bit to eachother, and roaming around. I thought, well all is going well so I'll go in to get my camera and make a cup of coffee. I was sitting at the table and suddenly see something flying by the window and DOWN THE ROAD!!! omg I ran out the door and down the road with my net and a bucket of corn and pellets. Luckily they only flew to the end of the dirt road and stopped. I chased them through the feild in shoulder high grass and finally pounced on one of them and got her! Phew! The male kept trucking through the feild and then took flight back toward the yard and I saw him circle over the pond then land. I walked all the way down the road goose in hand, then immediately trimmed one wing when I got back. I herded her to the pond where they met back up and now they have been down there since. eventful morning for sure.
I am going to clip the males wing if I can get ahold of him. I am soo hoping they come back up tonight. I am going to herd my ducks down there this afternoon because I know it wont be long until they come back up (sissy ducks!) so hopefully the geese will follow.

Well I thought I would share my first goose experience! They are so cool, I really hope they stick around!

 

[Goatherd]

That sounds like a fun morning! Honestly, I've never had a goose fly so I didn't even think to mention that to you. These must be pretty light-weight geese. I would think the wing clipping would be a good idea at least for their initial orientation to your place. Personally, I'm not a fan of clipping any wings for any reasons, but you have to do what you have to do.

They should come back with the ducks. I bet they are enjoying the natural foods and water at their disposal.

Good luck!

 

[dwbonfire]

Oh yes they did enjoy themselves all day! I brought my ducks down there too and they actually stayed in the pond!!!
Unfortunetly they seem to be sticking to their own groups though, so the geese didnt care to follow the ducks back up the hill tonight. We had to herd them back up which was not easy because of course they kept swimming to the middle of the pond We will try again tomorrow.. I will clip the males wing too even though I totally agree, I dont like clipping wings, just something I feel badly for doing because its their only defense to get out of harms way. Hopefully I wont have to do it again once they grow back.. how long does that usually take?

Well lets hope tomorrow goes better

 

[Goatherd]

You'll see a change in the dynamics of your duck/goose flock with the addition of the geese. They will establish a new "pecking order" and you may be surprised to see who becomes top goose or duck.
Changes like this never seem to go the way the humans think they should!

I agree that you need to clip the males wings. I would say that you'll only have to do this one time as they will adjust and learn the drill and stay at your place.

We mentioned treats to get their attention. Try the bread. My geese and ducks will follow me anywhere for bread. You don't have to tempt them with whole slices...small pieces work just as well as soon as they realize it's a good treat.

Not only will tomorrow get better, all the future days will as well. Before long, you'll wonder why you didn't have them sooner!

 

[dwbonfire]

Well so far we have had to herd the geese back up at night, the ducks come up when I call or shake a cup of grain. The geese dont really care about anything I throw out for them. Tonight my bf didnt get here until just about dark, we tried to herd them but they just kept going to the middle of the pond and wouldnt get out of the water. I assume they cant see at night just like other poultry. So unless I can convince him to help me later on again, they will be down at the pond all night. I will be very suprised if I see them in the morning we have a lot of visitors down there, I see many tracks from animals so its not a good situation. Im upset but I cant do it myself and bf doesnt quite care what happens.. sigh.
Im thinking if they survive the night and I can pen them up tomorrow and keep them penned for a while longer while trying to get them interested in bread and whatnot, maybe I will be able to get them to come up easier. Im just wondering if its possible since they have spent almost a year running many acres with a flock coming and going as they pleased.
Cross your fingers they make it thru the night please!!

 

[Royd Wood]

How cool are they - geese and goats are about the only thing we dont have here - you got me thinking geese now

 

[Goatherd]

Well, you can't worry about what you can't control. The good thing is that they do have water as an escape should something try to take them on land. Actually, they don't see half bad at night. My geese are pretty adept at seeing after dark when they go to, or I have to herd them, to the barn.
If you can pen them up tomorrow, maybe that would be best for a while longer until they have a definite idea where their food is located and what they should call "home."
As you mentioned, it's very well possible that their behavior is a result of them having free run at their former farm. They don't have the concept of returning to a shelter at night because they didn't have to do it at the other place.
Don't despair. You can redirect their behaviors with time and patience. I really do think that penning them longer will definitely help with their wayward attitude.
I believe they will be there in the morning.

 

[dwbonfire]

I hope your right, and you have given me a little more comfort that they can get out of harms way should something bother them. I might try one more time tonight to net them. And I will absolutely pen them tomorrow and maybe even pen them with the ducks for a while in hopes they will group together moreso. I will update in the morning for sure!
Royd, I think you should go for it and get some geese! I love the honking noise they make and they seem a little smarter than my ducks (though I love them too) I've only had them for not quite two weeks and Im already worried sick if I lose them!! So yeah, they are very cool.

 

[Goatherd]

So? How did they do? Are they honking a joyful noise this morning?

You are a quick study and your observations are correct...geese have a higher intelligence level compared to ducks as has been my observation also. When I talk to Wilbur, he looks at me with those piercing blue eyes and listens to every word I have to say. I swear, if he could talk, he would have a lot to say.

 

[dwbonfire]

They were down there paddling around this morning! Phew! I gotta say, I didnt sleep so soundly lastnight lol. I know animals are animals (thats what my bf is always reminding me) but I feel like when I am responsible for them I have to do all I can to protect them, and that means locking them up!

Im going to try to get them up here this afternoon, but wont have help again until dusk so Im hoping I can get it done and they wont stay out again tonight. If I were to leave them down there full time, it would only be a matter of time before something got them right? I know the water keeps them protected but I'd feel like Im gambling if I let them stay down there all the time.

Im hoping if all goes well with these two I can incubate some eggs and raise some babies to be more tame. Do you incubate your eggs or let the hens set them? Im wondering if I'd have better luck one way or the other? I thought I may have read somewhere goose eggs can be a bit of a challenge to incubate successfully?