Help Please

[glennscheer]

All,
Georgette is a female and this is her first day of setting. I believe her to be a Domestic Goose, but as this is my first rodeo with geese.

 

[sourland]

Welcome to BYC. She is a domestic goose - does she have a mate?

 

[glennscheer]

Georgette is mated with an African, Jerry who is pictured below
Since I have your attention, should I expect the goslings appearance to be more one or the other, or a beautiful mixture. It seems logical that the mixture will be the appearance. However, this is not my area of expertise. I thank you, in advance, for continuing our discussion.
This is the first picture, taken on the first day (today) of Georgette's setting.

 

[8GeeseALaying]

With that crossing, you will have white goslings and pied/splash(mixture) goslings. With my hatches it has Almost been a 50/50 on color every time. As in half the goslings were white and half were pied, give or take one or two.

 

[glennscheer]

Thank you very much!
Glenn

 

[Silver Spring Waterfowl]

Hi, Glen!

Welcome! I'm not on here much. I saw your post and was happy for you and anxious at the same time. Geese will hatch in 28-32 days, depending on the breed. In your case just figure an average of 30. I hope your Georgette does well, but if she does continue to sit, you will need to start making a place for those goslings because it's going to be very cold when they hatch. Bear in mind that the goslings will pretty much double in size every day for a few weeks. Their mama won't be able to cover them at 2 weeks and they won't have enough down or any feathers at that age. African ganders aren't known for being active and involved parents, although that's a generality. They will need a place with heat for 8-10 weeks. They're going to need a lot of space, too, as they grow. They grow unbelievingly fast, but they don't feather out quickly like chickens do. Their down will come in first. It's a difficult time of year to be hatching goslings. I hope all goes well and wish you the best of luck!

Kathy

 

[glennscheer]

Dear Kathy,
Thank you for the information. As for warmth for the goslings, they will be inside a duck/goose barn (10x15, or so anytime they wish. I only have the six ducks and two geese, there is plenty of room. Later this week I will break open two bales of straw, for snuggling/warmth purposes. As is clear, I am a newbie to BYC, but find this just what I need to get assistance with the chickens, ducks, and Georgette, as well.
Thanks, once again.
Glenn Scheer