Quick question about grazing goslings

[CC Lefty]

Adding a few Pilgrim Geese to our line up this spring and have a question regarding goose tolerance to chemicals/fertilizers. In my research I understand that goslings (and ducklings) are quite sensitive to most chemicals and that you don't want to graze them on pasture that has been treated with said chemicals. Having said that, millions of geese and ducks each year graze liberally on golf course around the country; some of the most chemically treated pasture available. Question is this, at what age can you put a gosling on to pasture that has been treated in the past with Weed and Feed? Understand, I do not intend to continue treating this lawn with chemicals once the geese arrive, but we have done a bi-annual treatment in the past. Any meaningful evidence is greatly appreciated, anecdotal or otherwise.

Thanks

Seth

 

[Mrs. Fluffy Puffy]

Sorry, can't help with this question, as we do not treat any of our pasture with chemicals. Maybe someone else can help.

Good Luck and congrats on getting some goslings!!

~ Aspen

 

[RURU]

I can help you on that one. I called the fertilizer company and was told you can not graze any animal or bird on the treated area for almost 2 years! Because it can harm the animal or birds that long.

 

[CC Lefty]

Thanks, RURU, for your efforts to call the fertilizer company. I took a bit of time today to do some research on the active ingredients in the Weed and Feed product that I use and found a few peer reviewed articles that seemed a bit more promising. Looks like the active ingredients have a relatively short half life and only require a one to two week removal period prior to "safe" grazing. One even made specific reference to toxicity to waterfowl. Having said that, I'm going to take extra precautions to frequently water and engage in a few purposeful mow/remove, mow/remove Saturdays in an effort to remove and/or dilute as much as I possibly can. Still have a few months before they hit this particular pasture. Apply good science, think positive thoughts, and cross my fingers. I'll post again in June with an update.

Cheers

 

[RURU]

Glad to have been some help..