Another problem! My American Buff goose is lame

18 years ago

Yesterday, when my son put the geese in their shelter for the night he noticed that two of them were limping. Naturally we examined them, but could not see anything wrong.

The gander was fine by morning but the American Buff goose seemed worse. We kept her in for the day and brought her fresh greens and water to her so she could rest. She was no better by evening. She does get up from time to time and stands on one foot.

I felt all along the leg bones and joints and she did not seem to be bothered by this - no flinching or struggling. (She really is a sweet gentle goose and seems to know we are trying to help her.)

Anyone had similar experiences and if so, how did you handle it and how did it work out? I remember a recent thread about lame ducks and will review it as well.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

chick_mom
18 years ago
Did you check The leg up to the pelvis? Check for any excess heat in the leg.. I had a Guinea hen that was struck by a car and her leg was gimpy for almost a month.. I did have a Vet check her out and he decided that it was mostly muscle and tendon damage. She slowly got over it and is just fine. The vet did give me some drops for pain etc. The medicine is Torbetrol?(bad handwriting from Vet)It also kept her calm for a few days to allow her to start healing.. Try giving her some time if you can't get her to a Vet.. Good Luck.
Kit
Maggie_J
Original Author
18 years ago
Thanks, Kit. I appreciate the input. I did check the entire leg and she did not seem to flinch or be in pain as a result of the exam. I think she "turned an ankle" as the source of weakness seems to be there.

She was a bit better today. I contacted the breeder who is also a vet tech and he is helping me to monitor the situation. Bless him. This is Jason Cain from Performance Poultry and he is such a help in times of need. He is even donating a week of his time to assist treating the animals injured in Katrina... What a super guy!
Related Discussions
Goose mating behavior
Q
Comments (1)
Geese are very complex creatures and it would not surprise me at all if your "rejected" goose is feeling jealous. The gander has made his choice by the sound of it, but he may also mate with the second goose, especially after the first one goes broody. I've never seen a goose attack another goose, but last year our very mild-mannered Pilgrim gander tried to drive off one of the geese. We had to pen her separately when they were confined at night in case he hurt her. In the daytime she just avoided him, but she was very unhappy. My problem was that I had only one gander to three geese. He was crazy about my Buff goose, tolerated the younger goose but totally rejected the third female. We found a new home for the Buff goose where she is now "queen of the barnyard" and much loved and our gander soon accepted both the remaining Pilgim geese. The three are very happy together and I anticipate no problems when mating season begins. Keep an eye on your geese to make sure no one is getting hurt - especially at night if they are closed in for safety from predators. A low partition with separate food and water for the outcast will keep her safe until all the foolishness of breeding season is over.
...See More
I have a broody GOOSE!!!
Q
Comments (48)
Good that you seperated her. She'll get down to business when she feels she has enough eggs. OUrs is literally GLUED to the nest. She hisses anytime I come near her, even to let her out twice a day. Five mins and she's back on that nest! Same with our Muscovy - who's sitting on one, count em ONE egg. Whatever. If our broodies feel that any of the others are getting too close while they're taking baths or going for their morning stroll, they'll return immediatly. Barely eat. Just sit. YOu watch! You'll know. Another clue we get here is that our gals will build a real Fort Knox-of-a-nest (not the usual, "make do" nests slung together just to pocket the eggs. The construction on this one will be really different and lined with down and feathers. Your momma will have to sit for about 30-31 days - during which you'll get real concerned about her well being. If she looks like she's really pouring time on that nest, note it on the calendar. Might be helpful, but there's not much you need to do but keep her safe and provide food and fresh water. She'll do the rest. As for the gosling part (if/when they arrive)-then you'll REALLY be in for a show! Geese are a community and really exemplify the expression - "it takes a village..." The adults all kick in to do their part. As we observed, wherever our flock moved to, the little ones were flanked on each corner by an adult, and at night when the owls came a hoping - there was a mad scramble to get the goslings and two unties in the cratem, and one auntie in the doorway guarding while the Gander paroled the yard squawing. Most amazing thing - we had two goslings last year that were rejected by the females - they were very late hatches. WE brooded them inside for weeks and eventually took them to the rest of the flock in hopes they'd assimilate. Nothing doing. More rejection on part of the females, BUT - get this! - our GANDER took them under his wing and raised them on his own! No kidding! He acted and protected them just like one of the females. Raised his wings so they could cuddle up under him and he'd preen them with his gigantic beak...and if one of the females got too close to his two babies, he'd nail em! This actually happened! (Of course, this year now that they'er all grown up, he's taken one of them as his bride - but then, they're geese). Geese are so cool. A lot more drama and politics than other birds - very fascinating to watch. We're wondering how it's going to go this year. I just hope the rest of our flock doesn't try to take the babies away from their mum if ours hatch.
...See More
Goose Bean
Q
Comments (48)
This is what we call 'Goose Bean' (aka Estill County Bean) here in E Central KY (located probably 45 min drive from Bill best in Berea). I'm 58 and my Dad and his neighbor were growing this variety as long as I can remember. Last time I grew them was probably 2001 - 2002 maybe? (man time flies). Anyhoo, these seed have been vacuumed sealed and kept refrigerated for at least a decade now, I think I'll grow them again for 2013. The photos showing the pink coloration of the mature pods are exactly what these look like at that stage. The pods stay tender and good to eat, we love 'shelly beans' pods and all.
...See More
American Idol last night?
Q
Comments (9)
Yes I too caught the 2 lyrics slip ups, they just can not do that at this stage of the competition it will kill them. Still in love with Casey, think Jacob was awesome and James did very well too, I do like Paul he has such a unique voice and style but am afraid many do not get him, to me he is another along the lines of Rod Stewart and Bob Dylan, I was bored with Tia, Pia, and Naima, who apparently got confused and thought she was on the dancing show. I am so ready for her to be gone. Stephano was great last week but dropped it this week. Was glad to see Scottie stick to his country roots and put a spin on his song. Haley is good but is getting eaten up by the competition if she does not step it up she will be gone, her lyrics slip up may have been the last straw for her unfortunately, I wish she would get her confidence back and really go for it I love her raspy growly blusey voice when she goes there. and I thought that stupid Chef who is always so mean on his own show had to come to AI and be insulting to Stephanos mother who was kind enough to go and cook for the whole gang, that was so uncalled for shame on you Chef Ramsey.
...See More
maryp1
17 years ago
I have a Khaki drake that may have been injured by my smallest male dachshund. He's lame in one leg and was being picked on by the other males, so I put him in a pen. It's been two weeks and he doesn't seem to be putting any more weight on it. Just like your A.Buff, he doesn't have a wound, leg looks and feels straight. After two weeks, you'd think he'd be doing better. The bad leg looks thinner than the good one - atrophy? I hope I don't have to put him down. Any advice?
Maggie_J
Original Author
17 years ago
Well, I'm no expert, but here goes...

My Buff did recover after about a ten days, but she has gone lame since then once or twice. I suppose there is an underlying weakness that will be chronic.

Compare the feel of the two legs, paying attention to any spots on the injured leg that feel different or are hotter than the good leg. Check the bottom of the foot very carefully for splinters, sores etc.

Swimming is good therapy for leg and foot injuries. The second time my Buff was lame I treated her to a "spa day" and let her swim in my bathtub and then lay about on a towel in the kitchen where she had a lovely time preening herself for at least an hour. It seemed to lift her spirits if nothing else and she began to improve after that. Maybe just coincidence... but she definitely had fun!

That was in the winter. But if you can set up a swimming spot (maybe a kiddie pool) making sure it is easy for the duck to get in and out of, it would give that leg a chance to get stronger. And he will be happier too.

Good luck with him... and please post again to let me know how he is doing.

Another problem! My American Buff goose is lame

Comments (4)

chick_mom

Maggie_J
Original Author

Related Discussions

maryp1

Maggie_J
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Another problem! My American Buff goose is lame

Comments (4)

chick_mom

Maggie_JOriginal Author

Related Discussions

maryp1

Maggie_JOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Maggie_J
Original Author

Maggie_J
Original Author