Breeding a young gander

[NapoleanGoose]

I'm planning my breeding pens for next year. I have a pair of Toulouse goslings now. In Spring 2012 they will be 10-11 months old. I have a 3 year old goose that I am deciding where to place. Will the gander be old enough to breed her with good fertility? Or should I pair her with an older group?

Thanks
Sierra

 

[Goosehaven]

It's hit and miss whether your goose will be fertile by next spring. They will breed but they say the males aren't fertile the first year as a rule. I've had one first year gander who produced fertile eggs but he's my only one. Other people have said theirs were too so I guess it will just be a wait and see but you just can't count on it

 

[pete55]

The advice that has been given by Goosehaven is good and I've had the same with a 13 month Gander and he produced goslings this year but their fertility does appear higher in the 2nd year.

Pete