It wasn't always this way. Matter of fact, for a long time the geese wouldn't tolerate Mama Mallard and her ten ducklings anywhere in their vicinity.I think it's probably now that the goslings are full-grown and their parents aren't as protective of them that they feel okay about fraternizing with the ducks. Hubby thinks it's because these hot days, the geese and ducks have all been hanging out together in the pond and have gotten used to each other.
At any rate, it's fun to see them all intermingled up in the poultry yard each evening before the geese are shut away in their safe shelter for the night.
The dynamics of the situation are about to change however. This weekend is the designated one for our seven goslings to be butchered. We'll truly miss seeing them everyday and watching their antics. But they were raised as meat birds and they've reached ten weeks of age which is the suggested time for butchering young geese.
8 comments:
What time do you want us for dinner? :)
I wish I had a pond, those geese look lovely. And I bet they'll taste lovely too!
Good luck, a necessary part of life! Do you both participate? Hope it isn't too hot and humid so the job won't be any more unpleasant!
Apple Pie Gal - How 'bout a Thanksgiving goose? I mean to eat, roasted, on the table, not . . . oh, never mind.
Jo - Yupper, I'd hate to raise ducks or geese without a pond. Their antics in/on the water make you smile and laugh.
Erin - I try to help as little as possible. ;o) No, we'll both do it.
That is not a job for the faint of heart! I really admire what you and your husband have built up on your homestead. You are living the life I can only dream about! If I had a pond, I'm afraid I'd be up to my knees in waterfowl.
Susan - Thank you very much for your nice words. Waterfowl are really so much fun to raise and watch. Only downside: Their poop is plentiful and very mooshy/gooshy! :o)
Hasn't anyone told those geese that segregation is over?
Jody - We've tried to explain things to them but . . . well, "bird brains," ya know?
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