How long will a broody goose leave her nest daily?

[88Haywood88]

I have a broody toulouse goose on about seven eggs. I feed her at around the same time everyday. Well, today she knew I was coming to feed her... she took the time to cover her nest (how cool is that?). She left the nest to eat, and i'm assuming to swimm and drink also. My question is how long will she stay off the nest on her daily "break"? I naturally worry about these things, even if they are left in the hands of nature. Toulouse geese around here go for about $20 a pop, so I don't want her to abandon the nest.

thanks.

 

[TennesseeTruly]

My Karessa & Petunia never left the nest for very long. Sometimes only a matter of a few minutes. Eat, poop, drink, a quick dip in the pool to get wet and back on the nest.

Don't worry about your goose, she knows what she's doing! Good luck!

Laurie

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
It depends on the goose and the temperature. They seem to know that when the temperature is high they can stay off the nest longer. also they will place more cover on the nest when it is cold outside (that's how cool a goose can be!) they usually put on enough cover so the eggs aren't very visible no matter what the temp but when it is 40 degrees there may be 2-3 inches of cover. I say it depends on the goose because some are real worries(like you) and others aren't.

 

[Goosehaven]

My experience with my geese is that it does seem to depend on the temperature. When it was still very cold my geese didn't get off the nest for more than a minute or two and only a time or two a day. tWhen the weather warms up they tend to leave the nest for longer periods and a few more times per day. I agree that the geese seem to know how long is okay so try not to worry when you think they are staying off the nest too long. Good luck!