Age of geese

[zinnia]

I have 3 rescue geese, 2 females, 1 male. How do I know how old they are? The females are laying so I know they have to be at least 3. The male, I have no idea where to start. Any ideas?

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
You tell me how you know that geese laying means that they are at least three years old and I will tell you that your geese are 3 years old and your gander is 5. What the heck difference does it make how old your geese are? They may slow down a bit when they get to voting age. I never owned a goose that didn't lay during her first year. I have heard tales of heavy geese that don't start until their second year, but this is the first time I have ever heard of a Third year rule.

 

[zinnia]

I am just concerned because the male seems to be declining this year and I don't know if I should be expecting that, as a newbie geese owner. If he is old, and I know they can live to at least 20, then I might expect his decline. All of them are very well treated and well fed with ample water. I have asked many people and researched, but have not found a way to determine the age of a goose. I guess it really doesn't matter all that much, because they are going to be loved and well fed anyway. I was just wondering if there was a way to tell their age and searching the forum for advice.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
In that case you should have mentioned that he is declining. If you look you find a thread here about ganders that seem to have suddenly quit maybe you all have the same problem.

 

[zinnia]

Thank you very much. I will do that. I do not feed them soy, so I know it cannot be that, sort of.

 

[zinnia]

But still, I am curious. Is there a way to tell their age?

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
If I knew of any way to tell I might have mentioned it. Lots of Luck!