Broody Goose

[Papasleep]

I have a young, broody Chinese goose who has been diligent, but not very organized. She's been sitting on eggs since about April 1, but sometimes moves the eggs around and it seems to me that she sits on different eggs. In theory, we're at the long end of the time it should take to hatch. 35 days today. At what point should I grab the eggs and set her free? Will she know when it's futile?

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'd probably candle them if you can.

 

[Papasleep]

I'll give that a try. Shells are so thick that I assumed candling not possible...but let's see. Thanks for the help.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I'll give that a try. Shells are so thick that I assumed candling not possible...but let's see. Thanks for the help.

I candle mine. You can definitely see development if there is any.

 

[PhantomSlayer]

I have a young, broody Chinese goose who has been diligent, but not very organized. She's been sitting on eggs since about April 1, but sometimes moves the eggs around and it seems to me that she sits on different eggs. In theory, we're at the long end of the time it should take to hatch. 35 days today. At what point should I grab the eggs and set her free? Will she know when it's futile?

You can candle goose eggs but you need it to be dark to see and a very bright flash light.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

You can candle goose eggs but you need it to be dark to see and a very bright flash light.

I bought a candler off of Amazon that does a great job. Doesn't need to be all that dark either. It was worth the money. Before that it was a flashlight and a toilet paper tube on the end.