well I don't think mallard mate for life, I had some and the drake had four hens to mate with and when I introduced another drake they didn't mind at all. Geese however I believe do mate for life, so I've heard. Sounds like the hen mallard is trying to nest. Since there is only the two of them, mallard species, they have probably gotten closer than they would have if they were in a larger group. The drake will tend to help fend off predators in some cases. At least mine did. As far as whether or not the geese are sterile, I have no idea. My neighbor had a muscovey duck that thought he was a goose, he was raised with them and would try to mate the female goose. The male goose in turn would attack the duck. Perhaps they are just confused?? I am not a professional by any means, but this is my two cents worth. Hope you figure it out.

Just got back from the vet's. We saw a vet who is the local zoo vet and he takes care of barnyard animals. I told him the whole story, then he subdued Mr. Goose by holding his feet. Mr G tucked his head in his breast and was the most submissive I have seen him in 17 years. The vet then pulled each wing out to its full extension and the goose didn't make a PEEP. He listened to his lungs (clear) and said he couldn't find anything wrong with him, although his breastbone ridge is a little prominent (indicating loss of muscle mass, probably due to age he said). He decided that he should have 2 days of antibiotics just in case. I suggested, early in the visit, that it might be the heat. "See how he's breathing through his mouth?" I said. "And he's not talking like he usually does or trying to peck us." By the end of the visit, the goose wasn't breathing through his mouth, he was muttering quietly to himself, and he was grooming himself. The vet said that when I said it might be the heat, he thought I was nuts because he's never heard of that. I suggested that considering that the goose spent his first 15 years in Northern California, where it gets to 100 maybe 3 days a year, and has been here only a few summers... and this is the first period with sustained high temps like we've had recently... He said by the end of the visit, he was inclined to agree with me, based on the goose's behavior change after he'd been in the AC for half an hour. He also said that when I pulled his wings out and got resistance plus he made a painful sound, that it probably was because I wasn't restraining him and he was just letting me know he didn't like what I was doing. If I had grabbed his feet like the vet did... So, that's the story... the vet suggested that during the hot part of the day that I bring him in the house and put him in the tub (I fill it with water). We're headed toward 85 degree temps in a few days, so I'll be bringing him in the house between now and then for guest privileges. And, no, he doesn't have a little silver bell so he can summon me to bring him treats. :-) One more thing... I told the vet I'd been feeding him whole corn and cracked corn the whole 17 years I've had him (the local feed store told me I should feed him that back in the beginning). The vet said that corn had very little protein, lots of carbs, and that I should find a waterfowl mix for him. He also said that he seemed to be doing pretty well on a corn diet, especially at his age. Okay, I'm done. Thanks for listening. :-) Carol

I appreciate the responses very much... Picklespickles, I think you might be right about starting over. It would be hard on me to do, but the thing is I am not sure if we could at this point. You mentioned getting another female or two. WeÂd love to but donÂt know where we could find them and donÂt know of anyone needing a couple of ganders... personally I could never eat the culprit (those who can, thatÂs great) and besides, heÂd make a mighty expensive Christmas dinner! lfrj, I donÂt think she was compromised in any way as far as I know. Just that morning when my dh let them out they were all strong and vigorous. This happened a couple of hours later. During the day they have a large grassy area for ranging behind our house including a 2 acre pond. My kitchen window overlooks it so most of the time theyÂre in my sight. We put them in a secure enclosure every night and they are glad to go there. We have lots of coyotes around and some creature has tried to dig itÂs way into the enclosure several times so I think it gives them security... also we had a small pen right next to them where we were trying to nurse a badly injured goose back to health (coyotes had gotten into our neighborÂs pen and killed all but her). This pen was sturdy and heavy but I went to let them out one morning and something had dug its way under her pen and killed her. I felt pretty sick. Must have done it for pleasure because only her neck was injured besides her former injuries. My geese had some less serious injuries as though they had been terrorized. The largest gander seemed to have a broken foot (the wire of the pen was bowed out on the side nest to the small pen and I think he must have kept hurling himself against it wanting to help while the other trauma was going on), three had missing toenails, all their beaks looked roughed up, etc. For days they didnÂt even want to come out which was very unusual. But they soon were back to normal, altho the gander limped for quite awhile. I wonder if your first theory could be right. IsnÂt this a little out of season for mating behavior or can that happen anytime? Maybe she wasnÂt receptive? Now I am worried about the other goose if the gander keeps up this behavior, which I see no reason why he wonÂt. There is a lot I donÂt know about geese, I guess. IÂd thought we were somewhat experienced.

Cathy. . .well, the best time to come to the northern California coast would be ***right now***, but plan for just about *any* weather. Currently, we're in the middle of a heatwave. That's due to change come Thursday. Some mild showers are expected for Friday and Saturday. . .for the **best** in terms of the warmest weather? Believe it or not, typically, *October* is warmest. :) EVERYONE: thank you for your kind comments and posts. I am happy to have brought smiles. . .this series is the shortened version of one I am compiling into a coffee table book. . .details to come soon if you're interested. :)