Hercules was the last born of our 4 goslings. He also arrived a lot later (1 week) and as often happens (so I've read in the last 24 hours) the parents/flock often reject latecomers. And that's unfortunately what happened in this case.After arriving to let the geese out in the morning and finding him all alone kicked out of the nest, we witnessed the geese lead their other charges out the door and throwing Hercules back in the pen each time he tried to follow. This was followed with a series of sharp pecks and when he was lying on his back struggling to get up, a stomp on the head which left him shaken and dazed. He wasn't being allowed access to food or water and with the beatings to top it off something had to be done. Kids were distraught watching it all and begged me to intervene.
I know some people would say that you should let nature run it's course, but I won't stand by and watch a perfectly healthy baby die when some help could save it.
So Hercules has been adopted by our family. He imprinted on us within 12 hours and thinks humans are great already. He chatters to us, calls out when he can't see us and is reassured by a call back or a pat, is eating and drinking well. He would be dead already if we hadn't intervened, and I'm hopeful he'll live. He seems strong and healthy so far.
In a couple of months we'll try to get him to join the flock - I've been reading that it can be done. Until then, we have a gorgeous gosling to entertain us with his cute antics and tug at our heartstrings. What a sweetie!
