- Sickness or injury: It's possible that the goose is sick or injured, which could make it difficult for it to keep up with the rest of the flock. It is also possible that the goose may be too old to keep up with the flock and therefore lags behind. Geese are social animals, so it's likely that the other geese are avoiding him because of his health problems.
- Social rejection: It's also possible that the goose has been rejected by the other geese. Geese are social animals and they live in flocks for protection and companionship. However, if a goose is seen as being weak or sickly, it may be ostracized by the rest of the flock and left to fend for itself. This is because the other geese do not want to risk their own health by associating with a sick or injured goose.
- Dominance: It is possible that the goose is being bullied or dominated by the other geese in the flock. This can happen if the goose is smaller or weaker than the others, or if it has some other kind of disadvantage. This can make it difficult for the goose to get food and water, and it may eventually decide to leave the flock and live on its own.
- Individual Differences: It is also possible that the goose simply prefers to be alone. Some geese are more independent than others and they may not enjoy living in a flock. This could be due to a variety of factors, such as personality differences or past experiences.
As for why your husband might feed the goose, there are a few possible reasons:
- Compassion: Your husband may feel sorry for the goose and want to help it out. He may believe that the goose is sick or injured and that it needs food to survive.
- Curiosity: Your husband may be curious about the goose and want to see what happens to it. He may be wondering why the goose is alone and why it doesn't seem to be able to keep up with the other geese.
- Enjoyment: Your husband may simply enjoy watching the goose and find it to be a pleasant experience. He may find it relaxing to watch the goose swim and feed, and he may enjoy the sense of companionship that the goose provides.
It's important to remember that geese are wild animals and should not be approached or fed by humans. If you are concerned about the health of the goose, you can contact your local animal control agency or wildlife rehabilitation center.