Found goose on side of road

[Gigi goose]

Hi everyone, I found a full grown goose on the side of the road. I have been letting her free range and eat grass. I work at a restaurant and get all the lettuce trimmings. I have been giving her about a pound in the morning and evening before bed. Should I also give her some wheat or grain product? If so how much per day. I can't find any good info at the feed store. I do know not to give chicken mash. Also can you over feed a goose with lettuce?

 

[QueenMisha]

Chicken feed (regular 16% layer or, even better, an 18% all purpose) is actually fine, just be sure to give her access to water when she has it. Lettuce is great too, but should not be considered a complete ration! They love, love, love alfalfa, I give my 3 a couple handfuls a day. Whole grains are very beneficial as well.

 

[Miss Lydia]

@Gigi goose Make sure she has a secure place to stay at night or your going to lose her to a predator before long geese are on every predators menu. Bless your heart for taking her in. I hope you'll post some pics when you can.. I like the Purina Flock raiser it is formulated for all poultry and that along with grazing and veggies should keep her very healthy, be sure she has access to grit and plenty of fresh water especially when she eats. Do you know what breed she is?

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Gigi goose]

Thank you for the very helpful information. Would you please be so kind as to tell me what quantity of poultry feed to give her? 1 cup a day of grains? I know that if I give her to much it will be too much protien and will make her have diarrhea. Is it okay to give her all of that lettuce? I do have water available at all times. She has a very secure night enclosure and a secure day pen when I am not here to watch her


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I believe she is an Embden and Buff mix. She just finished molting and has a little tan along her mid section. She seems to be happy alone, but I know she is a flock animal, should I get her a friend?
Thank you for your quick responses.
Evelyn

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thank you for the very helpful information. Would you please be so kind as to tell me what quantity of poultry feed to give her? 1 cup a day of grains? I know that if I give her to much it will be too much protien and will make her have diarrhea. Is it okay to give her all of that lettuce? I do have water available at all times. She has a very secure night enclosure and a secure day pen when I am not here to watch her


.
I believe she is an Embden and Buff mix. She just finished molting and has a little tan along her mid section. She seems to be happy alone, but I know she is a flock animal, should I get her a friend?
Thank you for your quick responses.
Evelyn

@Gigi goose if you have room for a friend that would be awesome. and I am so happy to hear you are taking such good care of her. Looks like she has grass to eat which is good since geese are good grazers. I feed quite a flock 25 and 4 are geese so not real sure how much grain to feed her try a cup and see how fast she eats it if she gobbles it up maybe try 2 cups of feed per day if she leaves some then you can cut back a little . In winter when there is no grass you will have to offer her more. As for lettuce it is good for them but again you don't want to over do.I give mine 2 heads of romaine a week and in winter I give chopped collards. chopped kale and a head of cabbage once in a while.

Dave Holderread in the Book of Geese [and a great book you might want to buy]. says to feed geese during breeding season a diet where protein is 20-22% in non breeding season they can be fed a maintenance of 12-13% and and if your feeding an all flock like Purina Flock raiser yr round you can cut the protein by adding whole oats or corn or wheat . I give my geese and flock whole corn in late afternoon when it is cold this helps to keep them warmer over night. If you decide on wheat makes sure it isn't for planting since it will be treated. Not good to feed our flock. I haven't ever had a problem feeding my flock Flock Raiser year round.

She is a beautiful goose are you sure she is a she? I have an Embden gander but not an Embden female lets see if @jchny2000 thinks gander or goose. Unless you already know. I am guessing goose