GeeseUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated goose breeds, not wild geese, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. are social animals who typically form long-term monogamous pairings. Even though geese almost always benefit from the opportunity to live with other geese, it’s important to plan and conduct gooseUnless explicitly mentioned, we are referring to domesticated goose breeds, not wild geese, who may have unique needs not covered by this resource. introductions thoughtfully to ensure the safety and well-being of your residents! Below, we’ll talk about important things to keep in mind when preparing for and conducting goose introductions.
Planning For Goose Introductions
Consider Letting Goslings Grow Up A Bit
If you are considering introducing a gosling to a flock of mature geese, it’s important to think carefully about when it is best to do so. The age at which you slowly start introducing goslingsYoung geese to the flock will be dependent on personalities, nutritional needs, flock arrangements, and your setup. In most cases, you should wait until goslings are at least 6 weeks old, though some caregivers prefer to wait quite a bit longer.
Of particular note, be sure to think about whether or not you will be able to continue to meet the gosling’s nutritional and environmental needs if they move in with your flock. Also, remember that goslings are more vulnerable to predation than mature geese (though mature geese are also vulnerable to predation). Depending on your setup, you may need to make modifications to make the space safe for goslings.
We’ll talk more about the challenges of spring and summer introductions below, but keep in mind that ganders (male geese) may behave more territorially in the spring and summer and may be too rough at this point for young goslings.
Consider The Season
It’s typically easier to conduct goose introductions in the fall or winter rather than in the spring or summer when hormones are high. Particularly when conducting an introduction between two or more males, opting for a fall or winter introduction can help make the process go more smoothly and help everyone settle in more quickly.
Consider The Sex Of The New Goose
Generally speaking, introducing a new gander to other males can be more challenging than introducing a new female to other geese. That’s not to say male-to-male introductions can’t be done – they just may take a little more time and benefit from a bit more planning.
Conducting Goose Introductions
Once you’ve done all your prep work and are ready to conduct the introduction, you might opt to start by housing geese who are going to be introduced to each other in separate but adjacent spaces before fully integrating them (as described in Preparing For And Conducting Resident Introductions). If your physical infrastructure does not allow for this, consider setting up a temporary “integration kennel” in or adjacent to the resident flock’s living spaceThe indoor or outdoor area where an animal resident lives, eats, and rests.. You can use an exercise pen, large kennel, or something similar to create a safe, enclosed space for the new individual where they can see and communicate with the other geese without coming into physical contact with them. Be sure to avoid anything with gaps large enough for individuals to fit their bill through and avoid anything with sharp edges that could result in injury.
The new resident can spend time in this transition space during the day and then move back to their own space in the evening (remember all geese need to be in a safe, predator-proof space overnight). Make sure the integration space has everything they need to be comfortable – food, water (both for drinking and swimming/splashing, if the weather allows), plenty of space, a nesting area (if applicable), and shade. When using an integration kennel outdoors, be sure to consider how a resident will be impacted by weather conditions, and avoid situations where they will be stuck out in uncomfortable conditions.
Ideally, you’ll notice that any tension between individuals dissipates over time. In some cases, this may happen soon after being in separate but adjacent spaces. Other times it may take days or even weeks. Be sure to observe interactions closely. Though rare, you may find that this setup is not appropriate for everyone. If individuals appear stressed, are overexerting themselves, or are at risk of injury from trying to fight through the shared barrier, you’ll need to pause the introduction and come up with a new plan.
Once you’re ready to allow the geese to be in a shared space with each other, it’s very important to closely monitor everyone’s reaction. Running with wings outstretched, chasing, neck wrestling, and a little nipping are not uncommon behaviors as everyone figures out their place in the social hierarchy, but as long as no one is overdoing it or at risk of being injured, it’s generally best to let them sort things out for themselves (while you closely observe the situation). However, if things get out of hand, you’ll need to break up conflicts quickly.
While some chasing and nipping is not unusual, intervention may be necessary if these behaviors are prolonged and/or excessive or if confrontations escalate. Be sure to intervene if an individual pins someone by the neck and does not release them or if multiple individuals are ganging up on someone. In addition to watching for physical contact that could result in injury, be sure to watch closely that residents are not exhausting themselves or showing signs of overheating. In some cases, you may need to separate individuals and try again later (or consider a different option entirely). Also, be sure to observe your residents’ body language and general interactions. Even if there is no physical altercation, if one or more individuals appear to be very intimidated by someone else in the group, this may not be a healthy living arrangement for them. While individuals often settle in over time, if residents are constantly stressed and/or unable to engage freely in normal activities (for example, if they are constantly hiding or bullied away from food), they should be provided with a different living arrangement.
Even if things appear to be going well, be sure to provide lots of supervision throughout the day (and in the coming days) to ensure everyone is getting along. Some situations that arise during the day may result in more tension than others, so ongoing supervision is key! Just because everyone is getting along well in their outdoor living space soon after the new resident arrives, it does not mean that there will not be an altercation later on.
Things To Keep In Mind After Conducting Goose Introductions
Once you’re confident that everyone is settled in and is safe to stay together without constant supervision, there are still important things to keep in mind as everyone adjusts to their new living arrangements.
Make Sure Everyone Has Easy Access To Resources
It’s important to watch closely to ensure that everyone in the group continues to have easy access to resources such as food and water, and that they can easily seek shelter if they so choose. A quick peek in on the group may reveal no obvious tension, but upon further observation, you may notice that someone is too nervous to go inside when others are in there or that they are being chased away when they try to go for a swim. As mentioned above, the absence of a physical confrontation is not necessarily indicative of healthy group dynamics, so be sure to watch closely for signs of tension or distress. In some cases, offering additional resources and making sure those are spread out may alleviate tensions. For example, adding a couple of extra kiddie pools to the space may make it easier for everyone to take a dip while steering clear of individuals who intimidate them.
Overnight Accommodations
Sometimes newly introduced goose residents will get along just fine during the day when they have more room to spread out and avoid each other, but will show signs of discord when closed in overnight. Pay close attention to how everyone behaves after being closed in for the night – if the new resident appears anxious or other residents start nipping at them, offer the new goose a separate sleeping space (preferably within or adjoining the flock’s living space, if possible). If they have started to bond with another resident, try keeping them together and separating them from the larger group overnight.
Make Sure They Fully Integrate Into The Flock
Geese tend to gather in groups or pairs – a goose who is fearful or getting bullied may spend much of the day alone. While it may take a little bit of time for them to settle in and find their people, watch closely to ensure they do not remain an outsider. If you notice that they continue to spend their time alone after they have been in the flock for a few weeks, consider making changes to their living situation if you can. If you care for more than one flock of geese, this may entail seeing if they fit in better with another group. Or, if you have the capacity to take in another goose, you could consider looking for another goose in need of a home who may be a good match for them.
While following the guidance above (and the guidance contained in Preparing For And Conducting Resident Introductions) can help set you up for success, it’s important to remember that every individual and situation is unique. Some introductions may take more time than others, and some residents may simply never get along, so it’s always a good idea to have a plan B in mind!
SOURCE:
The How-To Of Goose Introductions | Majestic Waterfowl Sanctuary
