Toulouse Dewlap goose problem

[Anonymous]

I have a bonded pair of Toulouse Dewlap geese. They were sold to us last september as 2 years old. We also have an unsexed Toulouse 4 month old that was hatched and lives in our house (at the moment). We have been really pleased and suprised that the 4 month old has been spending a lot of time outside with the others recently. Though the youngster is very active compared to the adults.
Our older female, yesterday, has gone off her food and won't be tempted to eat anything.She is drinking. She is also reluctant to leave the goose shed and is not as vocal as she normally is, she's not honking at all. Her dewlap appears to have shrunk or the skin it is formed from appears tighter than normal. The gander is eating and ok but doesn't leave her on her own.
We have no other geese and therefore she has not been exposed to outside ilnesses.
Is this normal behaviour or should we seek vetinary advice?
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Scott

 

[Davidd]

Hello, i think a trip to the vet is needed- when was she last wormed? Is she losing weight/thin?
The vet would be the best option.
regards, David

 

[Tim]

Yes, I agree with Davidd.

The vet is your best option but as well as checking they are wormed, I would also look for a dropped tounge. This is more common in Toulouse and can stop her from eating.

This is where the tounge can drop into a hollow in the mouth where the dewlap is and get stuck. Sometimes food gets in the hollow too and stops the tounge working correctly.

It is simple to check, place the goose on a table and hold with one arm whilst using the other hand to open the beak. Look for the tounge waggling around in mid air and look underneath it...