First pair of Geese

[Gray Farms]

The most helpful tip I can think of at the moment is, #1 never feed goslings “should you have them come spring” medicated feed, it’s toxic to them, and #2 research a good poultry vet in your area.

That's a myth. I've fed my goslings medicated chick feed for nearly 20 years with no I'll effects.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

Let's see...goose care 101

*Feed- I use an all flock pellet made by Nutrena, but there are many different brands that offer it. Any of the all flock/flock raiser is what you should look for. This time of year when grazing is at a minimum, I've been keeping an eye on the clearance produce. Anything green is a fave of the geese.

*Water- Constant supply, deep enough to dunk their whole head. They enjoy baby pools to clean themselves also.

*Shelter- Mine roam all day and only use their beds at night (sometimes). However, depending on your location and predators, it's a good idea for them to be locked up safely overnight. The biggest concern with any waterfowl housing is that it stays dry.

That's a very broad, general overview of it...any particular questions would be easier
We've got a lot of great goose people here so don't hesitate to ask..and share lots of pics!!

Thanks for the info I definitely have a lot of questions. I love Nutrena feeds I currently feed the naturewise 16% layer pellets to the layer birds and the naturewise 18% chick starter for all my bantam breeds/chicks but I was thinking about changing them from chick to all flock because crumble gets messy. Since they’re in with my chickens I have a small “pool” that’s 100% temporary once they get acclimated I plan to free range them most of the day and they will have 2 kiddie pools to themselves. Do hawks mess with geese? I can’t even imagine them messing with Geese because they’re really intimidating I don’t have any other day predators than stupid hawks..I will also be adding bird netting to a lot of my yard.I have 2 3 gallon bowl for the to dunk their heads into and the “pool”. How often should I change pool water? What types of snacks do they love? Thanks for all the help!

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

What a beautiful pair!! Is the white one male and brown one female??

Thanks! Yes the female is brown.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

I know right, a new vet just opened business near where I live, I got excited because years ago there was a farm vet who used to work at the same location. NOPE! She only sees cats and dogs. There are five other vets in the vicinity and they only see cats and dogs too.

Pathetic!

 

[Gray Farms]

Raptors will and absolutely can take down a goose. I've lost geese to owls more times than I care to remember.

 

[Goosebaby]

@Gray Farms I had two goslings that suffered health issues after consuming start with acs. The feed was from a local feed store which I no longer go to for a number of reasons so perhaps mine had a higher concentration of it than normal?

 

[Gray Farms]

@Gray Farms I had two goslings that suffered health issues after consuming start with acs. The feed was from a local feed store which I no longer go to for a number of reasons so perhaps mine had a higher concentration of it than normal?

Sorry to hear you lost goslings, that sucks. I guess not all medicated feeds are the same.

 

[Goosebaby]

Sorry to hear you lost goslings, that sucks. I guess not all medicated feeds are the same.

True


Also that’s another good thing to know @chickenenthusiasts5698 Always do your own research, I said not to feed medicated start to goslings, but I may be wrong, always research and make up your own mind.
For example that same feed store I mentioned tried selling me rotting straw and alfalfa, they actually argued with me about how it was perfectly fine for my birds and my then horse. Shysters.

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

True


Also that’s another good thing to know @chickenenthusiasts5698 Always do your own research, I said not to feed medicated start to goslings, but I may be wrong, always research and make up your own mind.
For example that same feed store I mentioned tried selling me rotting straw and alfalfa, they actually argued with me about how it was perfectly fine for my birds and my then horse. Shysters.

I definitely will I’m very appreciative of all the help i’m getting. I stopped buying from a feed store as well they would sell clumpy feed with weevils they have rats running around their store and sold me a batch of young chicks with canker!

 

[chickenenthusiasts5698]

@Gray Farms I had two goslings that suffered health issues after consuming start with acs. The feed was from a local feed store which I no longer go to for a number of reasons so perhaps mine had a higher concentration of it than normal?

Sorry for your losses