Introducing Geese to Ducks - Advice Please

[Kangasox]

We have our flock of ducks, and have gotten two Toulouse geese who are coming out of quarantine. The geese are 4.5 months old, and grew up with ducks until a month ago, when we got them. I have moved them over to the duck pen, but fenced off. They can see and hear (and theoretically get their heads out of the fence) but not intermingle. The ducks seem unphased, but the geese are VERY interested in getting out. Ideas on what to do next? How long should I keep them this way? Supervise when it's time for everyone to hang together? I don't want anyone to get hurt. Overworrying again!

 

[Miss Lydia]

We have our flock of ducks, and have gotten two Toulouse geese who are coming out of quarantine. The geese are 4.5 months old, and grew up with ducks until a month ago, when we got them. I have moved them over to the duck pen, but fenced off. They can see and hear (and theoretically get their heads out of the fence) but not intermingle. The ducks seem unphased, but the geese are VERY interested in getting out. Ideas on what to do next? How long should I keep them this way? Supervise when it's time for everyone to hang together? I don't want anyone to get hurt. Overworrying again!

@Kangasox I let them live side by side at least a week, then begin by opeing the pens up and tossing some treat they all like so they are getting their bellies full while mingling. There maybe some pushing and shoving and the geese will have to find their place in the flock that is established. But eventually they should become 1 flock. My 2 geese co mingle with our flock of ducks and chickens during the day and all get along pretty well. having plenty of space is important. Now when breeding season comes around you may have to do something different. Those ganders get pretty territorial and protective of their mates.

 

[Kangasox]

@Miss Lydia what do you think about short completely supervised visits? The geese are so desperate to be with the ducks (to mingle or hurt, I don't know). They came from a place with lots of ducks and seem so lonely without them. I was thinking about mingling with treats a bit this weekend while we can watch. Or is it too soon?

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Miss Lydia what do you think about short completely supervised visits? The geese are so desperate to be with the ducks (to mingle or hurt, I don't know). They came from a place with lots of ducks and seem so lonely without them. I was thinking about mingling with treats a bit this weekend while we can watch. Or is it too soon?

I'd try it @Kangasox sounds to me like the geese are ready and you'll be right there. Let me know how it goes. Treats are a good way to get them mingling right off.

 

[Kangasox]

@Miss Lydia it went so well. Those darn geese were SO happy. The ducks were kind of oerwhelmed, I think, they were like "stop FOLLOWING me!", but there were no tussles or ruffled feathers

. When I went to put the ducks up in their pen for the night, the geese just followed them right in like they belonged. (We put them up separately for the night, still). Hopefully the ducks will adjust, the geese seem thrilled!

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Miss Lydia it went so well. Those darn geese were SO happy. The ducks were kind of oerwhelmed, I think, they were like "stop FOLLOWING me!", but there were no tussles or ruffled feathers

. When I went to put the ducks up in their pen for the night, the geese just followed them right in like they belonged. (We put them up separately for the night, still). Hopefully the ducks will adjust, the geese seem thrilled!

That's awesome, beautiful picture. @Kangasox