[u06jgg]

Hi

We are about to have a couple of nests of goslings hatch. We have incubated before and brought the goslings on our selves, but this year both the females decided to sit too. I’m wondering how self sufficient the little ones will be in the wild. Particularly access to food/water. We keep them in a shed in a field but it’s a fair walk to the grass. I’m pretty sure any water feeders left in the shed will be tipped in short order by the adults. Also there are steps to the nest box which I can’t get in to put a ramp on because both the adults are in attack mode.
Any suggestions? I do have other accommodation but I’d imagine moving them is a last resort.

[Anke]

WE have found that it is better to bring the goslings up ourselves, so far Mother Goose has been a bit slapdash, and we have lost all the goslings when left with her... also watch out for crows and if you have them gulls or magpies, as well as buzzards…


You will need ramps for the little ones, and I am currently re-filling the water containers for our two (about 6 weeks old or thereabouts) at least four to five times. It is dog's water bowl, but they just tip it up. They are still in a playpen (moved once a day) with a shade cover on top.

[Possum]

Solway Feeders sell an eight litre poultry drinker which can be used by goslings but is too big for geese to knock over.