Nest size/style

[kristen2678]

I am preparing to build/buy a nest box for my Dewlap Toulouse. Is a shallow sided box lined with hay in the corner of their stall adequate? Does it need a top? What do you use?

 

[Goose and Fig]

I have their whole house full of hay and they make their own nest. Most geese (in the US) won't be using a nest until next year anyway.

 

[kristen2678]

Thanks. I need to make a few boxes for ducks and chickens. I figured while I was at it I would deal with whatever the geese would need. February in Maine is not the time to be building anything if you can help it! I'm thrilled if it's as easy as letting them do it themselves with hay.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I use those big plastic dog shipping crates and the geese go right to them. They are the right size, they are sheltered, and the geese can look out the windows and see what is going on around them.

I use soft hay for bedding. Geese need padding between their weight and anything hard, or eggs might break.

 

[NanaKat]

So how big does the crate need to be?
And how deep a layer for the bottom?

Does the goose mess in the nest and if so how often should the hay be changed..if she will let you change it?

You can tell my experience is with chickens. I have a lot to learn.

 

[DuckBoy323]

"A" frame nest boxes work good.

 

[Oregon Blues]

I am using a size 500 vari kennel. My geese have not messed in their nest. Bedding has to be thick. The goose will arrange it into a bowl shape and she will cover her eggs when she is gathering a clutch and not yet setting. You want a good layer of padding underneath the eggs.

You probably are not going to want to get close to the nest after the goose starts setting.

 

[NanaKat]

Thank you for the information. Being prepared is always the best option. I just have two goslings that are 3 months old and Ninya cannot be used for breeding because of a hereditary joint condition. I want to get a mate for Charlotte and allow her to raise a clutch.
So it will definitely be a while before there is a goose on the nest.