They never made it into the gosling/chick/duckling tractor.
The house of the tractor is 30" x 30". That size would be adequate for the three goslings and giganto Skidmore, but the "outside" penned in run is 30" x 48", and for them to be in there and have access to fresh grass and room to run around, I think we would have had to move the tractor twice a day!
Yes, the goslings are that big.
Practically in desperation, we moved them outside to within the big poultry pasture, but in their own smallish fenced in area. We had an old shed which is about 3' x 3', with a slanted roof (about 3-1/2 to 4' at the highest point) which we moved into their fenced in area. The shed is tacky looking but still sound, with the addition of a new roof which Papa Pea whipped together. We installed a heat lamp inside, and they get locked up safely in there each night while having access to the inside during the day, too.
They seem to be very happy in their new environment although our one adult male goose comes over to stand at the other side of the fence and hiss at them regularly. The integration of the two batches of geese may take some finagling.
They are truly growing so fast and getting so big I'm not sure we shouldn't be afraid of them! Especially Skidmore.
11 comments:
OMG! Look at the size of Skidmore! I bet they love being out on the grass. Our best laid plans are often jettisoned out the door, aren't they?
Ha! I love it when new babies get the taste of the outdoors.
Susan - Plans? Do they ever go as . . . well, planned?? :o/
Kristina - Yep, but it just points out to me that it's so much (so much!) better for the babies to be raised naturally, from the start, by the mamas. And a heckuva lot less trouble for we humans!
They sure are getting big, especially Skidmore. He didn't get into the Miracle Grow did he?
Yea, Skidmore is a GIANT. I think there's something going on with him, but not sure what.
It's gonna be so interesting to see him all grown up. Hope he doesn't get TOO big, or you'll need a new roasting pan!
Laurie - Heehee, that made me laugh. I don't think so but he (and all of them!) sure does eat a lot!
Sue - I remember the last 22 lb. turkey I roasted and I don't care to repeat that ever in the future. We may have to put him on a diet to avoid such a thing.
Mama Pea,
Holly Cow....look at your babies....they're almost full grown :P
What are you feeding them??? Grow Fast Food!!!!
Just teasing :-) They look healthy, and will make a great meal for the future.
Sandy - It's really funny now that they've been out on grass, they are eating very little of the mash feed we have for them. But, boy howdy, do they ever chow down on that green grass!
Those goslings are adorable! We just had a company put a new roof over our chicken coop (and house)-just in time. We have had historic rains and without a solid roof, I think something very bad could have happened to our hens and we would be totally drenched. Glad you managed to find a home for those cuties too!
Pleasance Faast @ Shelton Roof
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