How big of an object can a goose really safely swallow and digest?!

[HorsechickCC]

Hi all, I just watched one of my geese swallow a fairly large root piece from the bottom of some dandelions, maybe just slightly smaller than a walnut. He had a hard time getting it down, I ran out and tried to massage it back up, but no luck really. Eventually with some head shaking and hard swallowing, it went down. And he seems fine now. I know birds regularly swallow large pieces of food, stones, etc and their digestion works a lot differently than ours, but I of course always worry about crop impactions and things like that. Can anyone give any insight on this?? Thanks

 

[Miss Lydia]

Do they have access to grit from bought source or from the ground? if so the goose will most likely just grind it up.

 

[HorsechickCC]

Thanks for the reply! Yes they have lots of dirt, sand, tiny stones etc and I also buy it from the store.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Should be fine then. I understand worry though I do it too.

 

[Zinjifrah]

Once saw a blue heron swallow a flounder that must have been six or seven inches across. I was sure it was going to die, as distended as its throat was - a few hard swallows, and it got it down!

 

[HorsechickCC]

It's crazy what they will shove down their throats! I'm especially paranoid when it comes to this particular goose, as he has also just gone through a partial wing amputation after a run in with a truck on the hwy. He's a very lucky and precious boy....and now an expensive one!