Friday, February 29, 2008

Practical homesteading question re: geese

Our flock is currently down to three chickens and three geese (who absolutely refuse to succumb to anything) in our poultry pen outside. A couple days ago, one of the geese decided to spread its wings and see what lies outside the poultry pen. It seems, however, that it cannot get back into the pen. Because of snow, I can't open the one obvious door that would let it walk back into the pen. So what do I do?

I tried one experiment, placing a 2 x 8 plank against the 4' fence so it would provide a walkway for the goose to return to the pen. The goose has not figured it out in over 24 hours.

I just cannot get close to this hissy goose. Out of pity I left it some cracked corn outside the pen. But, how do I get it back inside the pen?

And why am I even asking this? Darn geese. Good for nothing honkers.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I suppose you've tried reasoning with it.

MojoMan said...

Permit me to be the devil's advocate for a moment here:

This might be a dilemma for a keeper-of-pets, but for a homesteader? Good-for-nothing...or good for the pot? This reminds me of the scene in the book "Cold Mountain" where the world-wise newcomer simply wrung the neck of the annoying rooster that was driving the lady of the house crazy.

R.Powers said...

Good luck.
Lame advice, I know, but I don't have a clue about geese.

Deb said...

Semi-update- The Hermit said when he drove in at about 2 the goose was in the pen. However, when we drove out later, it was out. I didn't leave any cracked corn outside the pen today; maybe hunger will drive it in.

Pablo- Most of my reasoning with these creatures is done with a big stick.

Mojoman- Point taken. I wonder if a 5 year old goose would be tender? I guess these qualify more as pets, although if it's a pet do you have to like it? :)

FC- The lesson to be learned is, never buy geese on a whim. From what I've seen, they live as long as parrots, only they don't talk.

RuthieJ said...

I guess that's where the term "silly goose" comes from! :-D

Deb said...

RuthieJ- They are silly. Obnoxious at times, but mostly just silly.