Goose eating dirt

[GMoose]

My goose has been a bit broody and whenever she comes out of her nest she seems to eat mud and dirt and then she drinks water eats grass and goes back in. Is this a normal behavior?

 

[SilverBirds]

Does she have access to real food? I don't have geese but my ducks did this all the time. She's probably looking for any bugs or or plants that are hiding in the mud. Dirt also has a lot of minerals in it and she may be looking for grit.

 

[Goosebaby]

Does she have oyster shell and grit?

Occasionally eating dirt is no big deal but if she’s doing it more than usual “pica” it can be caused by nutrient deficiency or by stomach discomfort, they’ll want to eat rocks and dirt when their stomach or intestines hurt from infection, they’re constipated or not digesting well, or are craving something they’re lacking.

 

[telandra2]

I've got 2 African/Chinese hens that sit about 4 hours a day and also dig around in the mud and are obessed with eggshells. Oyster/Calcium does not last long.

 

[GMoose]

She has grit and calcium as well as food all time. She isn’t doing it a lot it’s just new to me so had to ask. Thanks!