Raising geese for meat - doesn't mean you don't care about the animals

[Grassman 52]

I agree that it is sad to have this thread.

I thought I was one of the few that really enjoyed watching and spending time with my birds even though most would become dinner. I have just finished culling all the birds that are not going to be in my breeding stock and it was very hard, but you have to "keep the best and process the rest".

 

[Haunted55]

I agree that it is sad to have this thread.

I thought I was one of the few that really enjoyed watching and spending time with my birds even though most would become dinner. I have just finished culling all the birds that are not going to be in my breeding stock and it was very hard, but you have to "keep the best and process the rest".

I agree, I have some pekins who are going to freezer camp soon and it is going to break my heart to do so. It is what it is. They were meant for food and so they will be.

 

[The goose girl]

Great thread!

I currently have two pet geese, but I wish I had room for more, so I could raise my own Christmas++ geese. I've raised goslings for meat before, but I hated the empty winter with no geese, so I've prioritized the pet factor for now.

I'll never enjoy the killing, but I do enjoy eating the meat from animals that have been well taken care of.

 

[psue]

You know, it's a sad thing to have to have a thread like this on this forum. I know, I know, I've heard them too. I've raised pigs and meat birds, BB and heritage turkeys and ducks and geese. Oh and throw in some peafowl as well and let's not forget the chickens. Every one of them is some form of food or breeding animal to get food. Yes even the peafowl if it ever came to it.

I love all of my animals and most have names. They live in insulated buildings and probably eat better than I do. They have maid service 2-3 times a day, fieldtrips, the best medical care possible 24/7, and the security around their homes is a lot better than what I have for mine. The ducks and geese go to the 'spa' everday where they can indulge in warm water bathing and swimming as well as the entertainment of watching me building more poultry houses.

Um yeah.....they're right. How could I ever think that I was caring for my animals?

I agree that it is sad to have this thread.

I thought I was one of the few that really enjoyed watching and spending time with my birds even though most would become dinner. I have just finished culling all the birds that are not going to be in my breeding stock and it was very hard, but you have to "keep the best and process the rest".

x2

Great thread!

I currently have two pet geese, but I wish I had room for more, so I could raise my own Christmas++ geese. I've raised goslings for meat before, but I hated the empty winter with no geese, so I've prioritized the pet factor for now.

I'll never enjoy the killing, but I do enjoy eating the meat from animals that have been well taken care of.

I dont think any of us enjoy the killing part.... but well raised meat on the table is worth it.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

The flavor difference is the best, and know what the animal ate start to finish.

 

[Haunted55]

The flavor difference is the best, and know what the animal ate start to finish.

So very true Celtic and what I like is the ability to 'change' the flavor of the meat by adding herbs or fruit into their diets. I experimented with the first set of pigs we raised. I was able to get bushels of drop apples for very little money. Those pigs got apples all through Sept. right up to Oct. slaughter. Oh yeah! You can taste the apple in the meat. The ducks and geese I'm thinking would need to have dried or mashed as they turn their 'noses' up at the fresh blueberries I offered them. Strawberries, the same thing. Has anyone else tried this and have some tricks to ahare?

 

[psue]

Not to mention those with heath issues .. the preservatives and stuff in mass produce foods can be a game changer.

Pre-flavoring meat... I hadn't thought of that

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

Today was butcher day, for the rabbits at least. Managed to get through 10 of the 14 today. Have 4 ducks tomorrow and will do more again next weekend.
I am glad we dont have to feed a ton of hay here because this week it is up to 26.95 a bale for my preferred hay.

Very thankful for the green grass year round here.

 

[psue]

No more butchering here till spring. I try to have it all done by the end of Oct. weather is too unpredictable after that. I plan to breed for rabbit babies about the beginning of March. That will put first butchering in May.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

We will butcher in May too, and before then as well since we have a 1 week old litter again.