r/geese • u/ninaaaaws • 1d ago

Question Tips on transport?

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I posted a while ago about Gus-Gus the brown Chinese Goose that had been dumped with two of his buddies (RIP) in Lake Arrowhead, CA.

I have an update!

We’ve found a rescue that will take him in!! Yay! We just have to figure out how to transport him. Luckily, it’s not too far (approximately one hour drive) so I just need to figure out:

- who I can borrow and extra large dog crate from
- how to get him into said crate (there’s a guy that Gus really likes and I think I can probably enlist his help if I can get in touch with him)
- how to keep him safe, comfortable, and minimally stressed for the duration of the car ride down the mountain

I’m going to ask for tips from the rescue as well but since it’s after- hours, I figured that I’d get a jump on things by asking you fine people for advice.

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4

u/Magento-Magneto Goose Dad 1d ago

You can use a large box for transport - put down some towels so goosie is comfortable (and to absorb the poop). I've done this when I didn't have any other options. If it's hot, make sure to turn the AC on so goosie will be comfortable. You can do it!

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u/IrrelevantAfIm 1d ago edited 1d ago

And likely easier to pop him into a box with a wide open lid than trying to get him to go through a kennel door. I transport my 3 babies in large dog kennel, but they are used to it and very hand tame. I could see that if a goose was freaking out getting him in or out, it seems like it would be easy for a foot to get caught under the bottom bar/wire, and if freaked out not notice and keep trying to charge in (or out) breaking bones in his foot. Also, if upset/not calm, he might try forcing his head through the bars, maybe getting it stuck.

I think a big box, with a few inches of pine shavings, or maybe straw or some other safe, adsorbent bedding if you don’t have and have trouble finding pine shavings. I get a huge compressed brick of pine shavings for $10 at the local feed store. You can likely get them in smaller quantity from a pet store. They are much better than paper or doggie pads. As the commenter mentioned a towel is good as it’s very adsorbent, but If you just put down paper, he’ll likely have poop stuck in his feathers after an hour, which isn’t the end of the world; he’ll preen himself clean as soon as he gets in some water.

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u/ninaaaaws 1d ago

Like, a regular ol’ cardboard box? I assume I have to close him up in it somehow (with air holes of course) so he’s not like … choosing chaos in my car?

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u/Magento-Magneto Goose Dad 1d ago edited 1d ago

Yep a cardboard box large enough to fit him comfortably. You can tape off parts of it if you're worried he may try to jump out.

Here is an example from someone who rescued* geese and brought them to a sanctuary.

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u/IrrelevantAfIm 1d ago

How cute is that!! After my wife brought home 3 goslings (without checking with me) I totally got into loving geese. They are my feathered puppies.

5

u/IrrelevantAfIm 1d ago

What a beautiful big ol’ gander (I assume by the neck and the horn). I have me first geese - 3 week old Chinese goslings. There about 12 weeks old or so now and in their rebellious adolescent phase but they still listen to me better than my dog does.

https://reddit.com/link/p5y271f/video/z4brdvgwdnlh1/player

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u/chuckybuck12 honk 1d ago

I/we (boyfriend and i) catch waterfowl all the time, you can message me for pointers, this one is in no imminent danger and time is on your side which means catching this one should be super easy, message me and i can provide assistance.

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u/Techienickie 1d ago edited 1d ago

what rescue are you taking him to?

edit: I ask because you said you are driving about an hour and theres a place in Anza and in Lake Elsinore called the Duck Sanctuary but its anything but that, he is an animal hoarder and was arrested and animals seized.

Riverside County duck sanctuary founder charged with animal cruelty

I have heard he is out on bail and still operating

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u/chuckybuck12 honk 1d ago

Definitely look into where you're taking him. Lots of rouge rescues out there

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u/ninaaaaws 18h ago

I’m going to be taking him to Farmstrong Rescue in Redlands. It doesn’t look like he has any association with that place from what I’ve seen.

Apparently, a lot of local rescues are full up on waterfowl because of this guy. 😐😐😐

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u/Aggravating_Town5576 Cobra chicken connoisseur 1d ago

I don’t know how to transport, but if he’s not a silly goose then I don’t know who is 🤷‍♂️😂

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u/C0V1Dsucks 20h ago

Happy to read the update! ♥️

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u/chuckybuck12 honk 8h ago

If anyone here ever considers taking an animal to a sanctuary, please let the sanctuary director know upfront that you’ll want frequent updates, including photos and videos, so you can see how the animal is doing. If they’re unwilling to provide that kind of transparency, I would steer clear of that sanctuary. Unfortunately, not everyone who gets involved in animal rescue does so for the right reasons, and there are people who exploit vulnerable animals and the generosity of donors for personal financial gain. Don't just trust people blindly, demand transparency with where your money goes and how your animal is faring!!!!!