Gander/Chicken Integration

[daniellpierce]

A question – my daughter (and son) who lives with her mother has eight chickens that are about two and half MONTHS old. With my Ex’s permission, I have hatched a Pilgrim gander at my house that is now about two and half WEEKS old for the purpose of being a “guard” gander for the chickens. The gander has been imprinted upon myself, my daughter and son.

I need to introduce the gander to the chickens and attempt to get them to “bond.” I am looking for suggestions on WHEN to begin the introduction and HOW to do so. I want to avoid having the chickens put the gander at the bottom of the pecking order.

The chickens have a spacious coop and enclosed space (to guard them from the ever-present hawks). Should the gander eventually be housed with the chickens or have his own space? Many thanks for your help!

 

[dorsetduckowner]

Hi, Im really not sure about this one, I have not experienced a situation such as this before with introductions, I ope there is someone here who can advise you.
zo

 

[Honk]

We've not got chickens but we've got guinea fowl and the geese aren't keen on them really. The geese will stick their neck out and glare at the ducks but won't generally chase them. However, one of our ganders, the eldest one, will go after the guineas which is quite amusing as he doesn't stand a chance of getting anywhere near them. It's generally just that one gander, the others don't seem fussed but they keep themselves to themselves. They're not housed together at night.

 

[Marigold]

What makes you think the gander will act as a guard for the chickens? I would have thought he would only be happy with at least one goose, ie a companion of the same species. I may well be wrong, but I would imagine the chicks would be unlikely to bully the gander.

Having the gander imprinted on humans is an extra complication of course. Hatching out just one of any species of poultry inevitably makes integration harder. I guess you’ll just have to try it and see - maybe ASAP?