New Gosling and Mother Hen

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Sprucey

Sprucey

Hatching
Jun 9, 2015
7
0
7
Shropshire - England
Hi, I have a pair of Toulouse geese, some ducks and a number of hens. Our geese were mating and had a number of eggs. She showed no interest in sitting and on a few that we didn't sell I placed them under a broody hen, probably less than half expecting anything to happen.

Anyway, it has! This morning we have a back end looking to exit an egg and another that looks pipped. I'm of the mind to leave them alone for a little while but they're in a raised house so I'm conscious of ensuring the goslings will be able to get to food and water etc. A few questions therefore :

1) will mother hen care for them in the first few hours and do I have anything to fear from other broodies or hens coming in to lay?
2) I read they live on the yolk for a little while. Is this true?
3) How should I best get them to crumb and water? Lifting them out in a day or so's time and then putting them back afterwards or creating a new environment for "mother" and babies so they can do it themselves?

Many thanks

David
 
Welcome to Backyard Chickens David, so nice to meet you. I really don't know anything about geese.
Has your broody hen ever hatched a clutch before? I ask because if she did, did she protect them well.? For all intents and purposes, she will think they are her babies.

It would be best if you posted on the goose threads at "Other Backyard poultry," which covers, geese, ducks, peafowl, guineas etc.
 
Thank you "drumstick" !

Sorry for posting the entry there, I didn't realise what I'd done, I've now reposted it under geese which as you say is a bit more appropriate!

She's never been a Mum before but so far seems to be doing well, the gosling is tucked in under her wings. She has two more eggs that are pipped so I think she's going to be alarmed at the size of her offspring soon! :)
 
Hi :welcome David from Yorkshire UK

Glad you could join the flock! I too agree she should care for them as her own even though they will be on the large side compared to her!! Sounds like she has done a great job with eggs and is a good mother. Hope you get lots of answers from the geese experts, I'm sure you will everyone here to help and very friendly.

Good luck to you and mother hen with the goslings.

Enjoy BYC :frow
 
Many thanks
thumbsup.gif
 

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