Integrating new geese to an existing flock.

I copied this query from the Aging Homesteader thread:

John Weiland wrote: As a follow-up, what is the success rate of introducing new geese (basic large white farm goose...probably Emden variety with some Pomeranian mixed in?) to an existing group if we decide to add a few new ones in the spring?  Thoughts or experiences on whether they will integrate or stay separate?  Thanks...

My "extra" geese were born on our property (hatched and raised by Muscovy), but the problem of integrating them still existed. The fact that the Extras were young was an asset - more likely to defer to out mature drake - but also a liability because some of them have to be drakes, and from past experience, extra drakes aren't welcome in the Goose over-night shelter.

This shelter is ~ 10 ft x 12 ft. It has a door at each end. I stretched a piece of dog X-pen fencing in a zigzag from wall to wall. Put the old group in the north door as was normal, but the young group in the south door. Both sides had feed and water (I give them a small ration of pellets at bedtime.) This probably went on for a couple of weeks. Initially, the groups kept separate during the day, but gradually spent more time closer. Then one night an owl spooked all the birds before I got to the field. I pulled back the fencing to one side, let everyone in the north door, and they've been together since. There is a certain amount of squabbling. I'm hoping that will help me sort which are girls and who needs to go to freezer camp. The down-side of mixed breeding is that many of the secondary sexual characteristics are anywhere near clear enough to judge by.

A belated "Thanks!" for this move, Jay, and the information within.  The coyotes are still comin' 'round each night, but the remaining geese are so aware of the issue now that they voluntarily march into a designated open building for their protection at night.  When nesting begins in the spring, we will see to what extent we can hope for some replacement goslings to arrive from their efforts.  Thanks!.....

John Weiland wrote: When nesting begins in the spring, we will see to what extent we can hope for some replacement goslings to arrive from their efforts.  Thanks!.....

So far, I've not had any luck with my geese successfully hatching offspring. However, I give my Muscovy ducks 3 goose eggs and usually they managed 2/3 for me. They'd raise them until either the geese took over, or they just got too big. Muscovy are close relatives. They don't quite speak the same language, but any mother is better than an incubator and brooder in my books.

I have a lot of experience with geese and integrating goose flocks.  I think it depends on the individual personalities in the flock and how big the flock is.   The first time we integrated two young ones with two old ones, there were zero issues and the young geese (still quite young) got to hang with the flock more and more till they were fully feathered and a large enough size to not be hawk bait.  

But when we had three older ones (including one that has a bad attitude) she picked on the young ones and it was a terrible 6 months to integrate them. There are still problems with food and waters, which has caused me to basically put out an extra bucket of water, an extra pool, and an extra food bin all the time so that the two younger ones can eat.  It has now been a year since integration and maybe, maybe we are finally over the mess....

In either case, the same general ideas for integrating chickens are also good for geese: start with supervision and a place where they can honk at each other but not actually get too close, so with a fence.  Then do some free range grazing where the new folks have a chance to get away, and finally, if that all goes well, slowly integrate them full time. Some extra attention and care on your part can go a long way to smoothing things over.

Also be careful with how any treats or goodies are distributed--one of the things that can set off mature flock members is if they perceive the young ones getting extra treats and they aren't getting any.  Pretty much apply the same logic that a toddler would use, lol!

Happy honks!