What is the best option?

[DoodlesDuckies]

Hello. I had 2 geese. One got ill and passed away. (RIP Clarkie) I have one goose left, female. She was born the end of March. I also have 2 drakes and 5 ducks. The drakes chase the goose away. She tries so hard to hang with the ducks but the drakes put their heads down and chase her away. It is very sad to watch. My options are this....

Try to find Eddie the goose a friend. (my neighbor where I got them all from have MANY geese/ducks ect...) Attempt to pair her with someone.

Give Eddie to the neighbor and start over in spring with goslings. (which breaks my heart because I love Eddie)

Give the 2 drakes to the neighbor and have an all girl flock in hopes they all can live together in harmony.

I can tell Eddie is trying so hard to be with the ducks and it is sad seeing her struggle with that. I spend as much time as possible with all of them, she follows me all over. I am just not sure the right thing to do.

Any advice would be helpful. Thank You

Renee

 

[Stipenvlerk]

Hi Renee,
First, my condolences on the loss of Clarkie. When I read your story my first thought is: get another friend for Eddy.

My scientific basis for this

- The girl ducks won't like it when their boys get taken away
- You won't like it when Eddy goes away
- You have a place for an extra goose
- You have no guarantee that next year will be succesful.

Good luck with making a decision!

 

[DoodlesDuckies]

Hi Renee,
First, my condolences on the loss of Clarkie. When I read your story my first thought is: get another friend for Eddy.

My scientific basis for this

- The girl ducks won't like it when their boys get taken away
- You won't like it when Eddy goes away
- You have a place for an extra goose
- You have no guarantee that next year will be succesful.

Good luck with making a decision!

I appreciate the response. I also know some people from the Netherlands that farm here in Wisconsin. DeJong is the last name. The son farms here and his parents visit several times a year and frequents the place I work at. Just LOVE when they stop in.

Anyway, I was thinking the same thing with getting Eddie a friend. Do I go with around the same age? Male/Female? (would LOVE a gosling in spring But I also know it isn't always love at first sight with animals and I do not want the ducks getting hurt either as they all forage in the same area.

Those ducks...don't even get me started on their boys...I didn't know ducks were SOOOOOO interested in the drakes if you know what I mean. WOW!

I wish Eddie the goose would stand up for herself to those drakes. She is twice their size and used to terrorize the ducks just a few months ago.

 

[Stipenvlerk]

de Jong is a very common Dutch name. So that he's Dutch sound legit to me

I would find Eddy a goose of the opposite gender when you want goslings
Maybe your neighbour is willing to give you a goose to see if they connect. Because you are right, sometimes there is no match. when hormones kick in they do what instinct tells them too but no real friend connection

 

[DoodlesDuckies]

de Jong is a very common Dutch name. So that he's Dutch sound legit to me

I would find Eddy a goose of the opposite gender when you want goslings
Maybe your neighbour is willing to give you a goose to see if they connect. Because you are right, sometimes there is no match. when hormones kick in they do what instinct tells them too but no real friend connection

They are VERY Dutch. When covid hit the parents didn't travel over here much and when they came back we all had a hard time with their accent. But we can always figure it our and communicate our best. Great people.

I am hoping she will let me try to find a mate for Eddie. She is on vacation now and I am babysitting a peacock hatchling for her. That has been interesting. VERY different type of bird than the ducks and geese.

Just want everyone happy and to tolerate each other.