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BPO Off Topic Forum => Anything Non-Dog Related => : AnnaCrew June 12, 2008, 04:30:38 PM

: New foster - a swan :)
: AnnaCrew June 12, 2008, 04:30:38 PM
Who knows anything about feeding goslings? Tonight I got a new foster
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/12-06-08/PICT3993.jpg)

Probably a swan or geese baby. He was taken after 5 hours waiting for parents or siblings to appear. I'm feeding him with soaked white bread, chopped soft grass and egg yolk. If you know something else that i can add to his ration, and also - how much and how often to feed, I will be really thankful.
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: KiraNGunnersmom June 12, 2008, 08:32:39 PM
Definitly not an expert here but I dont know if it's the same for geese as it is for baby birds but bread can clog the gulet(I think that is what it is called) and kill them.  Adults have gravel in thiers to help them digest the bread but the babies dont.
I had to bring a baby bird to the bird rehab and that is what they told us.  can you give it chicken or duck mash?
It sure is a cute little thing!
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: marypyrs June 13, 2008, 08:32:13 AM
I've had tons of Geese over the years. Buy a Goose/Duck Starter - available at the feed stores. Don't buy the Chick starter because it's usually medicated. As he/she grows you can switch to a Goose/Duck Grower feed. Free feed at all times. You can find the water dishes that a 2 liter pop bottle screws into and allow water at all times as well. Put a heat lamp (small) above one corner so the little guy can warm up when needed.

Funny thing is that even with the special food given to the "orphans", the little ones who are raised naturally grow faster.

They are sweet as can be, however, and you'll most likely be his/her "Momma" in that Gosling's mind. And will be followed everywhere you go.  :)

You're amazing! You have a heart of gold.  :-*
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: AnnaCrew June 13, 2008, 10:38:55 AM
I'm his momma already, that's the problem. :D I do know how this one get so confused and picked humans as his parents, but it has happened and yes, it means slavery for a while - last night he slept in the little basket on my pillow - husband quitly moved to another room for some sleep and then was taking the shift over. :D He has patience of a saint.

At present baby Eddy is sleeping underneath my t-shirt on my tummy and happy talking to me (I must respond all the time otherwise he starts cry). :D

Got the Chicken starter (one kind here for all babies - chicken, ducklings and goslings), and next week he will start to be walked outside - we still havesome patches in the garden when soft grass is left and he will get a swim in pond as well, but not yet.

So far he is perky, eating really well and all dogs already got their pecks on noses. Cats are looking coutious as well :)
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: marypyrs June 13, 2008, 10:59:45 AM
Aren't they just the sweetest little things ever? I LOVE those sweet little whistling sounds they make and the way they nuzzle their little beek into your neck.

It won't be long till the kitties know to back off. It was a common sight to see one or more weaker wee ones left with the Pyrs to babysit while Momma & Daddy Goose went off for a swim. 

I look forward to many photos of Eddy and his extended family. (You have a great Hubby there by the way.  :))

(modified for spell check:-( )
 
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: People Whisperer June 13, 2008, 11:03:28 AM
Oh, I just love that sweet little face! And his name fits him perfectly!!! I can't wait to see him grow
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: GoldenPyrs June 14, 2008, 12:32:54 AM
Awwwwww, he is precious!  I have very fond memories of my first baby duck when I was 5 y/o.  "Squeeky" had a tough start (soft shell) & we hand raised him, too.  I assume that goslings are just as sweet as baby ducks?  Thank you for caring for him.  You & you husband are both amazing, any animal in your care is truly blessed. 
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: AnnaCrew June 14, 2008, 12:49:42 AM
This morning I woke with him sitting on my face and happy telling me all last night's dreams. :)

And then Eddy got his breakfest before I got my coffee. It is like having a human newborn at home again :)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/14-06-08/PICT4001.jpg)

 
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: marypyrs June 14, 2008, 06:15:03 AM
Well, Good Morning Mr. Eddy! He's looking perky today.  ;)

You know, from the photo he's looking more like a Cygnet. What do you think? He's adorable and I think he's grown overnight. You're such a good "Momma".  :D
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: AnnaCrew June 14, 2008, 06:19:36 AM
I'm waiting the answer from our bird experts, but yes - he/she may grown into the swan. But wich? We have several species here, and is the baby he or she? I sent them pictures so I do hope to get the right answer.
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: marypyrs June 14, 2008, 06:31:26 AM
Wouldn't that be wonderful?
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: AnnaCrew June 14, 2008, 01:05:18 PM
They replied, but not exact answer. He is definitely a swan baby - that's for sure. But which one

Cygnus olor
http://putni.nerealitate.lv/lvp/lvp_cygolo.htm

 or
Cygnus Cygnus
http://putni.nerealitate.lv/lvp/lvp_cygcyg.htm#Citi

We have here about 1000 pairs of Cygnus olor nestin in my country, and only 150 - 200 pairs of Cygnus Cygnus, so most likely he must be the first one. Beutiful bird it will be, big one and probably quite bossy :) Like geese :) I like them a lot so if the baby will survive and decides to stay with us - what a sight it will be!
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: marypyrs June 14, 2008, 01:25:43 PM
This is very exciting Anna. What species, I suppose, is something that will have to wait a bit to be identified. But 1000  pair is a small amount. 150 to 200 far more so. I'm thrilled for you! I can't wait for more updates.

Modified to add that in speaking with my Son - the Cygnus olor is most likely - judging by the color of the beek and feet. It will be interesting to see if he is right.
Jane
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: AnnaCrew June 14, 2008, 02:28:10 PM
It would be great - since I was attacked by some of them in the park when I was 5 or so, I just love them :)
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: marypyrs June 14, 2008, 02:58:18 PM
Haha! Considering that the life span of these Swans can be 40 years, perhaps some thought that their young friend ( you ) would be a good surrogate for one of theirs in need. I'm thinking they were correct.  :-*  ;)
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: AnnaCrew June 15, 2008, 04:53:08 AM
We have a babysitter!

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/15-06-08/PICT4133.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/15-06-08/PICT4034.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/15-06-08/PICT4036.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/15-06-08/PICT4043.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/15-06-08/PICT4031.jpg)

Hubby of the week? :D
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/15-06-08/PICT4151.jpg)

: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: Icerotti June 15, 2008, 06:45:59 AM
oh I am in love with Eddy!!! What a sweetie. What a great momma you are and your husband is fantastic too! I can't wait to follow Eddy's progress. YOu have one fantastic babysitter.
: Re: Any poultry experts? Help!
: AnnaCrew June 15, 2008, 07:34:58 AM
And this is my favorite picture of the day
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/15-06-08/PICT4142.jpg)
:D :D :D
: Re: New foster - a swan :)
: Pyr Heaven June 15, 2008, 08:51:47 PM
Oh my gosh! I love it. Eddy is adorable!!! And what a good babysitter you have!!

Adorable pics!!!


P.S. My mom has had chicks and baby ducks but never a SWAN! This is so exciting!!
: Re: New foster - a swan :)
: AnnaCrew June 18, 2008, 03:36:35 PM
Little swan is growing fast

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/18-06-08/PICT4183.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/18-06-08/PICT4186.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/18-06-08/PICT4169.jpg)

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v732/barryz15/summer08/18-06-08/PICT4166.jpg)

: Re: New foster - a swan :)
: AnnaCrew June 28, 2008, 01:24:34 PM
here is a bit of Sir Eddy the Swan tonight :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HQAFo9x9nxY

: Re: New foster - a swan :)
: marypyrs June 28, 2008, 02:02:59 PM
It's amazing how much he's grown. I wish I could see him in person.

Which reminds me. Have you determined what species he is? Or is it too early to tell yet. Also, if he will remain Sir Eddy? Or perhaps it will be Edweina?  ; :) Or Edna?   ;) 
: Re: New foster - a swan :)
: AnnaCrew June 28, 2008, 02:53:47 PM
Ornitologists here say that he/she is Cygnus olor, that's for sure. With gender we must wait, it is no visible things to see the difference now. So it is exciting thing to wait who exactly Eddy will grow into - Edward or Edna?

But now I'm just happy that he is growing fast and we are walking around every day several times to build his muscles a bit otherwise on the chicken starter Eddy will be just big fat duck :)
: Re: New foster - a swan :)
: shangrila June 28, 2008, 08:54:13 PM
So cute! Especially the picks with the "babysitter" (I would have said sibling  ;) )