Laying

[GMoose]

Should my geese have started laying yet?

 

[Isadora]

Mine haven't started yet. How old are yours?

 

[GMoose]

One I was told was born last spring the other is 6 years old

 

[Percheron chick]

I'm in Colorado and mine started first week of Feb. Average for them. Even had 4 days last week that didn't get above 20 and still had normal egg production.

 

[GMoose]

Also how am I supposed to collect the eggs when they do start laying? Last year I had one goose and I kept taking all the eggs, but she kept changing her nest locations and it was a pain to find the nests. I read somewhere that youre supposed to wait until they lay a few and then take one from the nest, but not to let the nest get too big or they will get broody

 

[Artizen Farm]

Mine have been laying for a coupla weeks, but I'm letting them make & brood their nests. 11 of them are 2 years old this year, six are only one year old.

 

[Klala]

My Harriet is 1 and started laying sometime in Feb. I've gathered eggs everyday from the chickens and her, she would steal theirs if they nested next to her. I totally didn't think about them possibly being fertile until 4 in.. and she was/is still very broody. I actually moved her, Henry, her boyfriend and egg so it's not extra stress for her. I'm still not sure if any eggs will be fertile but I'm allowing her this time to be broody because she has shown soo much dedication and I don't want to discouraged any future dedication. She has laid 2 more eggs and Henry Is a loving caretaker of her lol. Also haven't seen any mating but I'm also not spying haha Has anyone had luck with 1st timers?

 

[JRies]

January eggs 15 in the bator 2 hatched yesterday the only fertile ones its been so cold

 

[JRies]

Also how am I supposed to collect the eggs when they do start laying? Last year I had one goose and I kept taking all the eggs, but she kept changing her nest locations and it was a pain to find the nests. I read somewhere that youre supposed to wait until they lay a few and then take one from the nest, but not to let the nest get too big or they will get broody

If your just collecting eating eggs. Just collect them. Dont desertb the top of the nest when you do. Its the cover they give to protect there eggs from cold and predators. So reach under and remove the egg. My kidos all have a covered area to lay there eggs in also in a quiet place they can do it. They have all caught me taking the eggs and I tell them GOOD JOB and they go back and lay more (there boyfriends on the other hand give me a loud 1-2). give them more material to build there nest its reassuring to them. Mine get grass hay for there nests so I always give them a few handful to add. and they do When they catch me taking the eggs I always tell them GOOD JOB so they know its a safe place. My babies all have covered nesting areas inside the barn and return there to lay every time they make it clear to the ganders there not allowed (such respect the ganders give). When my girls actually go broody its usually on one eggs and hen I give a few back. Belive me it only takes one egg when its time to go broody. Add a goose will sit on as many eggs that you give here, She dosnt care if there hers. There eggs.

 

[GMoose]

Thank yall for your help!