Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Bath Time for Geese

As self-serving as it is, one of the things I love the most about our pair of China Buff geese is that they still like to be with me. When the weather cooperates, which has not been frequently, I can loose them from their yard. Dutifully, they follow me to the flooded part of the lawn to get their "bath". (We are hopeful to have the money to have a proper pond dug for them in later summer or early in the fall.) Not as friendly as the goats or chickens, our geese will stay in close proximity to me. They like me to be within 10-15 feet of where they are. When I get further than that, they begin honking and tag along to wherever I am heading. If I want them to follow me, I just begin walking away. I can get close enough to touch them, but they prefer if I merely keep them company and keep my hands to myself. They tolerate my picking them up, but they certainly do not like it.
 

 At bath time, our geese dunk their heads to wet them. They slosh water down over their backs, wetting their feathers. Then, it is time to preen each feather into place. Once preening is complete to their satisfaction, they open their wings and flap madly to dry themselves.

It is a little sad that our geese do not know they can fly. They have never really tried to and we have never clipped their wings. Once last summer, Caitlin took off running towards me, caught some lift and managed what amounted to a very long leap across the back yard. She managed to get about 5 feet into the air. She looked as startled as I did. We watched to see would they continue, but flight was abandoned for policing the other yard occupants.
 


Can you tell them apart? Justin's bill has a bright, orange nub on the top of his. Caitlin's bill is smaller and colored black. Justin is slightly heavier than Caitlin, too. Caitlin's more vocal of the two. If there is any doubt who is who, Justin will be the one with his neck straight out, hissing, and charging towards Sean or any unsuspecting stranger nearing his nesting site.


Which do you think is which?

Thanks for visiting us tonight.
Sean and Sonja ♥

Also shared with: Black Fox Homestead: The homeacre-hop

8 comments:

  1. I think Caitlin is the one closest to the camera in the last picture. I had to chuckle imagining both of your faces when she caught some air!

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  2. They are so cute! I have to say I do have a lingering fear of geese from being chased by one particularly aggressive mother goose at a park one summer! I do like geese and think they are so pretty, but I've only had scary experiences with them unfortunately. I think I need to raise some of my own to get over my fear :)

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    1. I did not want geese for that same fear, Tammy, but ours have remained friendly as they grew. They are definitely more territorial around their nest, though!

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  3. How lovely! I just can't imagine standing in ice water to bathe! But they look so happy to do so.

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  4. What kind are they? I am interested to know if they become aggressive once the spring hormones kick in. Every year this time, some of my cockerels from last years hatch become mean and some don't. There is no rhyme or reason to it. Even if they are full brothers, there are always a few that remain pleasant, courteous citizens. :)
    Heather in PA

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    1. They are China Buffs.

      As Caitlin is now laying eggs regularly, Justin has become more territorial about his nest, but he has not attepted to bite. One night, I was wearing Sean's jacket after dark to close up the coop and I think I startled him. He lowered his head and let out a mighty hiss at me. When I spoke, that seemed to confuse him. I decided to retreat and we were both the happier for it. Since then, he has been fine with me, though. :)

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  5. Your geese are just beautiful! Now that our pond is filling up with our wet spring, I've given a lot of thought to water fowl. I'd love to have some geese. Thank you again for sharing. :)

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