GOOSE BREEDING THREAD - for breeding, incubating, hatching and rearing.

[livininbrazil]

Yes, I have 3 muscovy eggs, and 9 pekin in with the goose egg. Set on different days so they should all hatch out about the same time. I was in a rush to do something because I discovered Lucy's eggs when we had a nice day and I could finally get the 6 inches of frozen yuck out of the doghouse. By that evening it was below freezing again and the geese were still all upset that I invaded their nest, so I brought the one uncracked egg in and tried to save it.

I stuffed about 8 inches of clean straw in the nest house and left her a pile of grassy second cutting to construct a new nest. They are hanging out over in that corner and I see some depressions where she is trying it out, so I hope to see some more eggs that I can let her brood now that it is getting warmer out. They are both so frightened when I go in the pen. Buster is just beside himself trying to protect Lucy and is trembling as he hisses. I move slow and talk softly when I feed, water, and add clean bedding. He is a little better since it got warm enough I can sit down in the corner and be still for a while. He stops hissing and creeps closer and is talking to me a little bit.

Years ago (40+) I had geese and they were such friendly pets. I hope if I hatch they will grow up liking humans better than their parents do. Lucky they are on the small side for embdens (hatchery stock).

How long have you had your geese then? I bought a trio of pilgrim-types from a local farmer who just left them to wander about on hisfarm, so they were very wary. but, bit by bit they´ve really settled down. The gander´s become really trusting and will eat out a pot in my hand, the females are getting there. They´ve had 2 breeding seasons with me, and this year I was able to go and pick up their gozzies and they were fine, so it takes time.

so you´ll haver a lot of babbies to look after all at once then!! Have fun!!

 

[horsekeeper]

How long have you had your geese then? I bought a trio of pilgrim-types from a local farmer who just left them to wander about on hisfarm, so they were very wary. but, bit by bit they´ve really settled down. The gander´s become really trusting and will eat out a pot in my hand, the females are getting there. They´ve had 2 breeding seasons with me, and this year I was able to go and pick up their gozzies and they were fine, so it takes time.

so you´ll haver a lot of babbies to look after all at once then!! Have fun!!

I got them last fall and think they were traumatized being herded into a shed and cornered. It was a flock of at least 100 and they were all terrified.

 

[livininbrazil]

you turn them over end to end instead of rolling them

Thanks, but I was just having a laugh with serv.

 

[RURU]

I got them last fall and think they were traumatized being herded into a shed and cornered. It was a flock of at least 100 and they were all terrified.

When people just let the geese breed and do not put hands on the goslings and handle them they get wild and are so afraid of people or anything. This is why it is so important for us humans hatch or handle the goslings so they do not think we are going to hurt or kill them.
I love picking up goslings and have them in my bathroom so I can visit them lots during the day or just pick them up and hold and kiss the little darlings!!!!!

 

[horsekeeper]

When people just let the geese breed and do not put hands on the goslings and handle them they get wild and are so afraid of people or anything. This is why it is so important for us humans hatch or handle the goslings so they do not think we are going to hurt or kill them.
I love picking up goslings and have them in my bathroom so I can visit them lots during the day or just pick them up and hold and kiss the little darlings!!!!!

That was my plan. I feel bad taking Lucy's eggs, but I worry the adults will teach them to fear, so want to raise them inside for a while to establish a good relationship. That has worked with all the other poultry. By the time they are ready to go outside I should have a nice enclosed (predator proof) pen built with a calf hutch for shelter and then I can work on more fencing so they can graze. Everyone else free-ranges, but I suspect Buster and Lucy would head for the hills if I let them out.

 

[Miss Lydia]

I gave my goslings to my broody muscovy. While my others are finishing hatching in the incubator. I couldn't keep their membranes moist enough. They key drying out. So I made sure that they wouldn't now. I have it full of water now! Lol!

How'd your broody take to the goslings?

 

[Jharper]

How'd your broody take to the goslings? 

She was a little upset that I took her eggs, but when I put them next to her she got very protective of them.

 

[SolarPoweredMe]

they make an egg Turner specifically for goose eggs. You would not be able to use the duck/chicken egg turner, the holes are too small and not in the right position for goose eggs. Goose eggs must be incubated on their sides, the chicken/duck egg Turner keeps them in the pointy side down position.

I did! I used a little giant but it died mid way through the hatch. Luckily had a hova ready and moved them over. Didn't use a turner, just set alarms on my phone and moved them 3 times a day. All but 1 hatched, and when we opened it up it was backwards in the egg. The guide they have on here is what I used, worked like a charm.

 

[13 chickens]

Just candled my 13 goose eggs on day 6 and all of them except 2 are good and growing

 

[Anna6]

I used to have silver grey dorkings and they were tasty but after i ate all of them i found out they were rare! >:-(

Ooops!