Sebastopol geese breeding season is here, any advice?

[NoviceSebastopol2024]

Hello everybody,
This is my second year handling Sebastopol geese eggs. The hatch rate is pretty good, but I was wondering if someone more experienced with Sebastopols had any advice they found over the years.
I gather my eggs at the very start of them laying(Maybe that is not a good idea?)My temperature stays at 99.5 with 50% humidity. I started on day 4 and gradually increase the misting and cooling time. I use room temperature RO water. I have a few on different times, not sure how to keep most eggs in the same time frame without cutting the hatching rate. Do you handle a lot of goslings still stuck in their eggs? What incubator do you use and how many do you hatch a year? Any advice would be great! Thank you Sebastopol lovers!

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I generally hatch under the goose, or under bantam hens so I'm no help. How's it going? I would assist if necessary.

 

[NoviceSebastopol2024]

My entire batch died late term in the incubation period. A little heart breaking but I know these geese are hard to incubate by yourself. I did have 1 hatch just today that I took from under her and it was mostly done. So far, they have not laid anymore eggs? They didn't see or have a new gosling so shouldn't their reproductive system still be going? One stopped laying all together for a while now. They will sit on chicken eggs instead of their own.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

They do tend to lay in cycles from my experiences. I would expect them to start back up in a few weeks. Mine will lay through June before stopping and molting.

 

[NoviceSebastopol2024]

They do tend to lay in cycles from my experiences. I would expect them to start back up in a few weeks. Mine will lay through June before stopping and molting.

Thank you! That brings me a lot of peace of mind. I was worried I let her have the egg for too long.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Thank you! That brings me a lot of peace of mind. I was worried I let her have the egg for too long.

I don't know how rowdy Sebastopol are during the breeding season, but here I'm always grateful when it's over and I get my sweet geese back.

Laying and setting depletes their reserves, and their body needs a rest before they can try again.

 

[NoviceSebastopol2024]

I completely agree! I miss my sweet geese! They're very friendly and the breed is known as being used as more of a pet then poultry farming. That is very nice to know that there is nothing wrong with them haha.

 

[TP 1971]

we are trying to incubate 4 eggs. what do i need to know please my fist time

 

[TP 1971]

I am worried that I may mess this up. I have incubated ducks chickens

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

I am worried that I may mess this up. I have incubated ducks chickens

Are you using an incubator or the goose to hatch? If an incubator I have no experience. I have my geese hatch them or I've had broody chickens hatch them as well. I would assume they are similar to hatching duck eggs when using an incubator.