My Geese

[Suzie]

I have 12 geese - of which at least 8 are female - they are all laying their eggs in one nest (outside) although they are kept inside the stables at night and I do not have a reliable sitter at the moment - does anyone have any suggestions as to whether or not I keep one particular female inside with a couple of eggs - she and a gander are new additions to my flock and she has made a nest in the stables already - or do I eat/sell the eggs - this is my first year of keeping chickens, ducks and geese so would appreciate any comments - thanks!

 

[CoopCrazy]

If one of your girls are willing to sit on them I would let her.. If they are all going outside and laying then I would say none of them are broody and wouldnt sit even if you keep them in.. I would eat the eggs or incubate them.. Once one goes broody though I would let her hatch them for you...

 

[Lollipop]

Yup, I agree with CC. I would remove the fresh eggs from the nest each day and either store them in a cool place, or eat them. One goose cannot cover all the eggs 8 can lay and the chances of fresh eggs being added to the nest after the brooding starts makes it imparative that you keep track of when the eggs are layed and how many are in the nest. Too many eggs wil make for a poor hatch as most will be rotated out into the cold as they are turned by the goose. By simply marking each egg with a pencil and date you can keep up with the fresh ones. Don`t count on moving eggs after the brooding starts as most geese are extremely protective of their nest.

You are in for a treat with goslings hatching, as the whole goose community pitches in to care for the young. Take lots of pictures. It will touch your heart. Good luck..........Pop

 

[Suzie]

Thanks for your comments - I will collect daily and observe the geese closely to see if one does go broody - I have a Silkie who is a reliable broody but she hatched 9 chicks yesterday and she won't be broody again for another 3 months and she is not likely to be big enough to be able to turn one of the goose eggs anyway even if she were available.