Embden goose choose violence could she be wanting to go broody?

[PhantomSlayer]

She's been gentle (Greta) until the past week. At first I thought it was because our other female (Gizzy) was nearby but she (Greta) was leaving and i knelt down to collect the egg like usual so theres never been more than 4 eggs there and she (Greta) came after my ankle. It wasn't really hard bites like I know she can probably do but I'm wondering if she may be wanting to collect enough eggs to sit or is she just learning bad habits from our Gander?


Shes been laying since late Feb. And she's almost a year old I believe

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The goose will defend her nest same as the gander. Mine stay back initially because I don't handle them, but once they are setting or close to it they will stand their ground, and bite.

If you don't wish for her to hatch than keep removing the eggs.

 

[PhantomSlayer]

The goose will defend her nest same as the gander. Mine stay back initially because I don't handle them, but once they are setting or close to it they will stand their ground, and bite.

If you don't wish for her to hatch than keep removing the eggs.

I used to be able to pet her while she was on the nest she nor our other goose usually bites and our gander will just hiss at me but randomly a week ago her biting started but because it was with the other goose was around I thought it was because of her.

We incubate the eggs so I usually collect them. I was gone for a few days so we had 4 max at once I wonder if thats what triggered her.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I used to be able to pet her while she was on the nest she nor our other goose usually bites and our gander will just hiss at me but randomly a week ago her biting started but because it was with the other goose was around I thought it was because of her.

We incubate the eggs so I usually collect them. I was gone for a few days so we had 4 max at once I wonder if thats what triggered her.

They do lay for a few weeks before the hormones shift and they go into a brooding phase. She may have had that shift. My geese get pretty rowdy during the breeding season. I'm always relieved when it's over and they turn back into nice birds again.

 

[PhantomSlayer]

They do lay for a few weeks before the hormones shift and they go into a brooding phase. She may have had that shift. My geese get pretty rowdy during the breeding season. I'm always relieved when it's over and they turn back into nice birds again.

Probably. Its just weird cause Gizzy never gave issues. She oddly became really lovable last year. She usually avoids me petting her but she would let me. Only lasted about a month or two after she stopped laying but I enjoyed it lol. Greta was sweet before and now shes chosen violence lol. Guess I'll have to start shutting her out when I collect eggs.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

The urge to be a mother is a powerful force. When you hatch what do you so with the goslings? I've had some of mine adopt those that I had purchased. Some just need to see them and they want them.

 

[PhantomSlayer]

The urge to be a mother is a powerful force. When you hatch what do you so with the goslings? I've had some of mine adopt those that I had purchased. Some just need to see them and they want them.

The goal is to sell them but if low interest in them since their mixed breed or I can't resist I may see if they'll adopt a few. I heard some will even if they never go broody. I can always sell them when their older.

Last year our geese lived with our chickens and a hen went broody so I gave her goose eggs as I didnt want our roosters offspring (He was a jerk). We only had Gizzy then but she kept trying to steal the eggs but wouldnt sit on them and then she tried stealing the goslings that hatched lol. Our gander Gus is a Toulouse, Gizzy is Buff American and Greta is an Embden. (Pic from last year when she was trying to steal. The lid had been on the bin to keep it dark for the broody and I had attempted to close in the area by a babygate fence thing but Gizzy was determined and is much more flighty than expected even in a small area)

We should have our first gosling hatch soon hopefully.
Would the girls stop laying if they have goslings to take care of or do you think they'd just co-parent so they could lay their eggs?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They will stop laying eggs in my experience if they adopt goslings. She may start back up after a few weeks as we are still early in the breeding season. No guarantees.

 

[PhantomSlayer]

They will stop laying eggs in my experience if they adopt goslings. She may start back up after a few weeks as we are still early in the breeding season. No guarantees.

Okay I'll put it off till later in the season.