Need help on housing lone wild Canada goose

[Coocoo4Goosey]

Back in February a lone Canada goose appeared at our pond. He was sick/injured and sat on the icy edge of the pond for days weeks and barely ate anything. I reached out to our wildlife rescuer and they told me they’d euthanize it since it’s wing was broken. So I’ve been caring for him and feeding him. I’ve been careful as to not “domesticate” him. He is all better now but cannot fly away from our pond.
At night he goes into the middle of the pond and sleeps there for safety from predators. Then I researched how social they are. Flocks of ducks and other geese stop by but they all end up leaving him behind. And there he is all alone at night.
So this past weekend I got him 2 white geese. They are somewhat domesticated. But he welcomed the new additions and now they are best buddies.
I am looking to make housing for them because I don’t think the white geese are used to being outside without any shelter. But I see that most people lock up their coops at night.
I don’t think my Canada goose will follow into the coop. It’s pretty much wild.
So I m not sure how to construct the housing and /or fencing to accommodate the domesticated geese as well as my wild Canada goose. Any tips would be so appreciated. I love my goosey and want to protect him as well as his new friends.
Thanks.

 

[staceyj]

Hi there! Welcome to BYC.
I only know chickens but I’m giving this a bump in the hopes that a goose person will see it and stop in.

 

[BullChick]

Mr. Canada is a pet. It’s understandable that you are not laying claim to him, but you are the only reason he is alive. You are his caretaker.
He should eventually follow the geese inside. Chances are, he will go in with them the very first night.
Treats and a light (if you run electric to the shelter) can help encourage them to go inside.
If he does choose to stay on the water, that is his choice. I hesitate to suggest you make a second shelter without a door. Having an option will not only keep him from going in where it is safe, it will probably keep the girls from going inside where it’s safe as well too.

 

[Coocoo4Goosey]

Mr. Canada is a pet. It’s understandable that you are not laying claim to him, but you are the only reason he is alive. You are his caretaker.
He should eventually follow the geese inside. Chances are, he will go in with them the very first night.
Treats and a light (if you run electric to the shelter) can help encourage them to go inside.
If he does choose to stay on the water, that is his choice. I hesitate to suggest you make a second shelter without a door. Having an option will not only keep him from going in where it is safe, it will probably keep the girls from going inside where it’s safe as well too.

Do they need a light at night? I can run electric out there. Should it be on the same time as they are in the coop from dusk to dawn? Or should I have it set to go off in the middle of the night?
Ok. I’m hoping since goosey has been following the 2 white ones around this week without a shelter that he will follow. Oh it’s so nerve racking.
We plan on starting the shelter this weekend!

 

[BullChick]

Oh, no. Think of it like a porch light for when you come home at night. The light should only be on until they are inside. You don’t actually need it, but if you are having trouble getting them to go in, it’s an incentive. Even a battery operated push light will do.

Come to think of it, you can use solar lights. Just remember that if the light shines into their house all night, they will never get any good sleep.
Personally, I like motion activated lights outside my coop. In addition to guiding the birds to the coop, if any predator comes near, it will turn on scaring the predator away (Hopefully anyway!).

 

[Raenh]

http://www.goodshomedesign.com/how-to-build-a-floating-duck-house/

Maybe something like this since you have a pond.

 

[New2Chicks97]

Geese are amazing creatures really and quite adaptable. We had a “wild” Canadian goose when I was a kid that my dad found as an injured juvenile. He didn’t fly well so it must have been something with his wing as well. “Honk Honk” moved in & slept with my Pygmy goats at night. After a while I think he forgot he was a goose

So I would think that if you built them a secure shelter that he will eventually move in with his friends.

 

[jolenesdad]

I don’t have any information to add, but I wanted to say... You’re a special person for taking care of him and thanks for trying to figure out how to do it best!

 

[Coocoo4Goosey]

Oh, no. Think of it like a porch light for when you come home at night. The light should only be on until they are inside. You don’t actually need it, but if you are having trouble getting them to go in, it’s an incentive. Even a battery operated push light will do.

Come to think of it, you can use solar lights. Just remember that if the light shines into their house all night, they will never get any good sleep.
Personally, I like motion activated lights outside my coop. In addition to guiding the birds to the coop, if any predator comes near, it will turn on scaring the predator away (Hopefully anyway!).

Ok I think I got it!
I have solars and I’ve seen people use that nightguard red led light. May get some of those too! Thanks!

 

[Coocoo4Goosey]

I don’t have any information to add, but I wanted to say... You’re a special person for taking care of him and thanks for trying to figure out how to do it best!

Aw thanks. We moved out to the country and all the wildlife have me so nervous. I’ve been so worried for him being alone out there at night. I was trying to put extra food out there for others to stay but they always left. He is so happy now. Just want to make sure everyone is going to be safe.