Hi everybody. Can't tell you how much I enjoy this forum.

We have a pair of Canada geese that fly in every morning, usually stay all day, then fly out at dusk. The female has a face bare of feathers. Is this indicative of typical wild goose behavior or is it a disease or parasite that I should be concerned about? Our domestic geese and ducks share this pond with the geese and mingle closely. Thanks.

-- Peg (jnjohnsn@pressenter.com), April 02, 2000

Answers

Peg, While I will not claim to be an expert on wild animal disease and treatment, nor a biologist by trade. I will claim to living within a few short miles of one of the largest waterfowl refuges in New York, and of the tens of thousands of canada geese I have seen over the years I have never seen one with a head void of feathers. Don't know if it's parasitic in nature or what it might be, but it would certainly seem worth a call to a qualified biologist. Especially if there is domestic fowl involved. Perhaps a veterinarian or wildlife biologist at the nearest park or refuge could be of some assistance. Good luck.

-- Daniel Baker (dcbaker@2ki.net), April 03, 2000.

Hi Peg. I would contact your local County Extension Service. They have been of immeasurable help to me with questions like yours. If that fails, wild geese do taste pretty good, or at least if you like goose!

-- Brad (homefixer@mix-net.net), April 06, 2000.

Thanks for the suggestions Daniel and Brad. I've been busy but I'll make those calls tomorrow. I used to call the extension office all the time- until I "discovered" this forum. Now all my questions are answered here- even if I don't ask them.

-- Peg (jnjohnsn@pressenter.com), April 06, 2000.