The Golden Glorious Gaggling Geese

Mac is our alpha gander and although he came to us quite naughty, he has since learned some pretty good manners and has turned out to be a very wise leader. He is very good at maintaining flock order and settling any squabbles between other ganders in his pen. He is also the first to sound out warning calls when visitors come to the sanctuary and will actively stand guard and keep a watchful eye when strangers enter his pen or even the neighboring duck pens.

In addition to all of this, Mac has quite the ego and he loves to be in charge. All these things add up to mean that although Mac is great with geese he knows, he is very wary of newcomers in his pen. Introductions are actually pretty easy. When new geese arrive and finish their quarantine regime, we move them to a pen that neighbors Abby's Goose Run --Mac's pen. The wire between adjoining pens must have a tight enough weave to prevent ganders from poking their bills through should they attempt to fight through the fence.

We simply zip-tie welded wire mesh to our regular fencing. This barrier goes up about 3 feet from the ground and prevents any bill injuries between opposing ganders. Since we are most commonly asked how to introduce more aggressive ganders, let's go through this tougher scenario first, then we will cover the easier introductions which include hens and timid ganders. Mac will initially sound the alarm and run over to see who the new geese are in the neighboring pen.

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Sometimes hissing will ensue and some vain attempts at fighting through the fence. This was the case over the summer when we moved two new misbehaved ganders next to Mac. Duran Duran were two ganders who were so naughty at first that we split them up and put each Duran into their own pen.

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Their pens neighbored each other and they were both adjacent to Mac's pen. This enabled us to do some good hands-on interaction with each of the Durans while preventing them from ganging up on us. There is strength in numbers and simply by separating the two into different pens, we were able to break down their walls and quickly earn their trust. It was vital that the Durans pens were side-by-side to prevent stress to them. While we worked on their manners, they each worked on getting to know Mac. Because each of the Durans were in their own pen, they each had to face Mac through individually.

They could not team up to confront him. After about two weeks it became apparent that the bickering through the fence had ended and Mac was even considering himself Duran Duran's protector. At this point, we opened the first gate and let the more dominant Duran out into The Goose Run first.

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Mac confronted Duran and showed him he was boss by holding his wings out in display and nipping at the back of Duran's neck. Duran signaled compliance by running away. This confrontation can last anywhere from a few seconds to nearly a minute. Once the pecking order is set, the event is commonly over. If you do not allow enough time for ganders to get to know each other through the fence, or if you are introducing during the mating season, this display may last longer or be more aggressive. Two ganders vying for alpha leadership will wrestle with their necks, each trying to get the back of the other gander's neck and pin the other down.

The first to give up and run away loses.

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Although it is an adrenaline-packed moment, as long as this wrestling match is short-lived and someone gives up and runs away, you are witnessing normal behavior. If you break it up too soon, they will just go through it again next time, so try to give them the opportunity to work out their hierarchy without interference.

There can be some running and chasing during this initial conflict, so be careful to remove any tripping obstacles from their pen when you do the introduction. If neither gander gives up within the first seconds and their energy is not tapering off, you should step in and break them up and put them back into neighboring pens for a couple more weeks before trying again.

During these introductions, hens in the existing gaggle can commonly be observed cheering on their gander; however, they are normally wise enough to keep themselves well out of harms way. Subordinate ganders also tend to stay out of the way unless they are called in to help. Should this happen, give the two ganders a few seconds to try to resolve the situation. If it appears that things are escalating, or just not tapering off, then separate the newcomer and return them back to their neighboring pen. Keep yourself calm and maintain a healthy perspective.

Remember, much of what you are seeing is part of their display. Outspread wings are meant to look impressive, so don't be startled. A little bit of running around the pen is not likely to result in injury, provided the grounds are safe. King Sauls braue sonne true-hearted Ionathan. The praise of the Gooses Quill. ANd thus for shooters hauing shew'd my skill,. That she to fooles and knaues will be a snare. The memorable honour of the Goose sauing the Capitoll at Rome. Bvt now to shew her neuer-dying name,.

When barbarous Brennus, cruell King of Galls,. And wasted Italy, and raz'd Romes Walls:. This golf gallery is a gaggle of geese gawking on a golf green now white with snow. The reflections and light give this a quality I really like Catherine. Really enjoy your blog, and your approachable, homespun humor. Great to see some of our geese in your part of the world. I live in Vancouver, Canada!

Ours stay here year-round in Stanley Park because of our temperate climate. They are beautiful creatures.

Say that three times.. I really like your pictures of the geese — the colors are glorious.

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Now, about telling them to fly south — I am not sure after our big snow storm in Metro Atlanta this past week. You are commenting using your WordPress. You are commenting using your Twitter account.