Feed Consumption in Goslings.

[Goose-Willis]

Hey all, I have recently acquired 4 goslings (mixed breed) that range from about 3.5 weeks down to about 1.5 weeks. They are on fresh grass as soon as the sun comes up (weather permitting) and are moved at least twice a day. As this is my first time raising geese, I’m having new parent jitters. They don’t seem interested in their
feed what so ever. They maybe eat a cup and a half a day and the rest of the time is spent picking grass. Is this acceptable behavior or do I need to them in their brooder before taking them outside each day? Thanks in advance!

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Quantity will vary by species and age. What are you feeding them now?
Familiarize yourself with the Metzer site.
https://www.metzerfarms.com/NutritionalRequirements.cfm?affiliate=undef&CustID=21988690

 

[Goose-Willis]

They have free access to a non-medicated ration that is about half starter and half grower. I top dress with brewers yeast. They just don’t seem to be interested in it.

 

[bluemerle]

I've definitely noticed my goslings prefer greens of any variety over their crumble. I've read that, in summer where grass and foliage is plentiful, geese will eat very little of their feed. Winter is a different story.

I think as long as you have good pasture (which it sounds like you do!) then they're probably getting what they need.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

My 8 Pilgrim goslings also eat very little supplemental feed right now, compared to my ducks and chickens. They go for pasture first and fermented feed second, and my understanding is that when pasture (grass + forbs) is at its peak, they really can obtain most, if not all, of their nutrition from it. One of the goslings delights in stripping the leaves off the chicory plants that are plentiful here.

I'm enjoying their supplemental "mowing" (and fertilizing, of course ), knowing that they'll eat more feed in leaner seasons.

 

[Gray Farms]

I keep mine on full feed for about the first 6 weeks. Then ration them about 1/4 lb each twice per day "morning and evening". I feed the goslings the same medicated chick feed that my chicks and ducklings get. And have for over 15 years. Some will recommend non-medicated feed.

 

[Goose-Willis]

Update!

Switched to a flock raiser mix that has a higher protein percentage and have started adding a niacin supplement into their water instead of using brewers yeast.

Not sure if it they didn’t like the previous feed or if the bitterness from the brewers yeast was putting them off but now I wake up to an empty feeder!

Thank you all for your help!