Question on culling....

[squirrelbug]

My husband would like to know how everyone culls their geese....he is trying to be prepared, even though he won't be the one doing it, my son will Hubby is as soft-hearted about them as I am.

Thanks!

Joanne

PS My goose, Bonnie, has made her nest and has been in it most of the morning so far!!

I will check later to see if there is an egg!

 

[Grassman 52]

Are you asking about picking which ones to keep or the act of "dispatching" the goose?

 

[squirrelbug]

The act itself. In case I end up having some that I need to "dispatch" I am just wondering what is the easiest for us and also the most humane. I have seen my Grandmother "dispatch" chickens years ago....

Just looking for some ideas, just in case.

 

[Going Bhonkers]

I haven't culled (in any definition) geese before. Totally understand what you mean about being soft-hearted! And its a great question to ask how to do it humanely.

As far as dispatching goes - are you thinking of culling immediately, or separating those that will go to "freezer camp"?

If you'll be raising them for meat, you may want to check out these threads - until others with more experience reply

• https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/702570/anyone-use-their-geese-for-meat-or-at-least-sometimes
• https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/743014/do-you-raise-geese-for-meat-birds

 

[jdywntr]

I don't have geese any longer, I culled them all after they attacked my ducklings. Though I do still look at the goose forum occassionally. I dispatched them the same way I do chickens or ducks. Slip knots on both legs, hang them upside down (I don't have a cone) and slit jugulars. I hold wings to limit thrashing.

 

[squirrelbug]

Thanks for the replies.

If it were up to me, I would keep all the geese I can

but the agreement with hubby is that I can keep the 4 that I presently have. So, when they start to sit, I will be posting geese for sale locally and contact the feed store where I sold them last year. I am just trying to be prepared in case I have any left...I am hoping not, but just in case.

If there are any, they would live with my 4 until the time comes. I have talked to my son (who will do the deed) and explained to him that he cannot do it (however we do it) where the others can see...but I am just trying to find out the methods of others who do have their birds for meat and see what would be best for us here.

Any ideas are appreciated

Joanne

 

[Going Bhonkers]

We dont want to increase the # of our flock either, and so far we've been removing the eggs as our goose lays. And very good point about not letting the "pet" geese witness the culling, I read that somewhere on this forum too.

 

[Going Bhonkers]

Squirrelbug, here's another thread that's kind of relevant https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/...t-doesnt-mean-you-dont-care-about-the-animals

 

[squirrelbug]

Thanks!

I went to the chicken side of BYC and after reading some posts there, it seems like the majority over there prefer be-heading....they say it is the quickest way.

I have time and I don't even know yet if I will have to do this, just trying to do my research beforehand

Thanks again!

Joanne
aka Squirrelbug

 

[Miss Lydia]

Thanks!

I went to the chicken side of BYC and after reading some posts there, it seems like the majority over there prefer be-heading....they say it is the quickest way.

I have time and I don't even know yet if I will have to do this, just trying to do my research beforehand

Thanks again!

Joanne
aka Squirrelbug

Joanne, what i have heard is ducks/geese have a very tough neck muscles, so it won't be as easy as a chicken, take that into consideration if and when you have to do this.