Grass for geese questions

What types of grass are best for young geese?

How much grass should they be eatting at 10 weeks of age?

When (at what age) do you allow the geese to begin free-ranging? 

For winter grass/feed, what should be grown/provided?

What about winter greens...will geese eat turnip or collards? 

Right now my two darlings Ninya and Charlotte are in a 10 x 20 foot pen of tender bermuda grass with some dallas grass available.  The pen walls are 2 foot high 1" chicken wire on rods set in brick that can be moved to set the perimeter.  Their little water trug can be moved as can their coop.  Thus they have lots of this grass availble. 

I have raised beds in the garden that can be sown with winter grass seed for them.  I need to know what seed to get ahead of time for planting in Zone 6 - 7.

Thank you

Quote:

Originally Posted by CelticOaksFarm 

Geese from 5 days old are turned out all day here to graze with water available to them. They are fed first thing in the morning but on grass the rest of the day. Age distances if they are in a covered playpen, garden fenced space or free ranging.

So since Ninya and Charlotte are now 10 weeks old, I can take them to the garden while I'm out there to supervise and allow them some grazing time. 

There is shade under the fruit trees and under the veggies in the raised beds.   I could set up a water area. 

Quote:

Originally Posted by HappyMtn 

I grow wheat grass in my raised beds over winter too. I will have several going, so by the time one is mowed down, another is ready to open up. They also LOVE pea vines, and will mow down about any fence to get them. 

Mine like turnip greens, but not collards.

What varieties of grass do you grow? 

We have perennial rye that we seed  with a pasture drill in the pastures.  I could plant that and wheat....just can't let the chickens in the garden until it is established.

Quote:

Originally Posted by CelticOaksFarm 

Nana they should be outside all day grazing returning to their secure house at night. They are more than old enough to be outside all day being over 2 months old.

Thank you...I guess I've been a little over-protective since I received them 2 weeks ago.  Ninya has had several leg issues and of course Charlotte is more active. 

I take them out each morning and put them up each night.  I have a portable pen that I move around to fresh grass each day.

 I think they are bonded enough they would stay close to the house and barn.  We have a two lane highway in front of the house.  They would have to go thru a cable fence and over gravel  to get to the front yard...

I'm thinking they will stay close to their water tubs and cooler areas. with out the temporary pen up. 

We have a craw-dad pond that the wild ducks and Canadian  greese frequent when they are here.  It is within walking distance of the barn.

Coyotes do cross over our pastures......  

Where is the smilie with the wringing hands?