The babies are here

[Miss Lydia]

That is an awesome brooder. It is perfect for growing goslings!!

 

[N ID Goose mom]

Thank you Miss Lydia.

 

[N ID Goose mom]

Does anyone know if ganders grow slower than geese? Levi and Taleah were the biggest the day we got them. Teleah is still the biggest but Shimmer and Shine have caught up with Levi. The girls are getting pin feathers on their tails, sides, and back but Levi only has a few in his tail. He is very active and eating but growing a little slower. I was just checking to see if it was normal for ganders to mature at a different rate.

 

[N ID Goose mom]

Well they are getting awfully big at 3 weeks. I’m amazed how fast their growing. I think it’s the grass and clover (and love, of course). They love their clover. Shimmer playing lookout while everyone else eats.

 

[Miss Lydia]

What a pretty picture!

 

[N ID Goose mom]

I don't think these poopy butts are ever going outside. Don't get me wrong I love them to pieces and their sleeping better at night with less rough housing, but it was only 38 degrees last night. I can't put them out at that temperature. They turn 4 weeks on Monday, I think I will introduce them to their outside pen/house during the day but do you think I should still bring them in at night. Any advise is welcome. Their new house doesn't have electricity but I could run a cord for a heat lamp just hate the thought of a fire. Any thoughts?

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’d start by having them out side first. Bring them In of a night till fully feather or as close as you can get. Maybe by 5 weeks temps will have settled down and they will be feathered In good.

 

[N ID Goose mom]

I’d start by having them out side first. Bring them In of a night till fully feather or as close as you can get. Maybe by 5 weeks temps will have settled down and they will be feathered In good.

Thank you Miss Lydia. I’m very surprised how fast their feathering out. The girls went from fuzzy chest on Thursday and yesterday when I got home from work feathers. It’s amazing but yes I can bring in every night. They are outside most of the day time if not below 60 or raining. Their only outside running around if we are outside due to hawks, eagles, and ravens. But they have a small covered run till I finish a bigger one. I also think this morning someone was attempting to honk. There was definitely a new sound and when I was greeted.

 

[Miss Lydia]

They are amazing getting them outside as much as you can of course protected will go a long way In Getting them acclimated to the temps and also help getting those feathers in. Voice changes is such a hoot.

 

[N ID Goose mom]

They are amazing getting them outside as much as you can of course protected will go a long way In Getting them acclimated to the temps and also help getting those feathers in. Voice changes is such a hoot.

Yes but I will miss their peeps. My mom watch them yesterday while watching my daughter. So while she was out in the orchard weeding they were outside running around. They came in at lunch time to take a nap but went back out again.

They are getting large green salads (grass, dandelion, clover, and plantain) 3-4 times daily if inside. They are only eating about 3-4 cups of Mazuri starter daily since they are mostly on greens but have access to it anytime. Next week at 4 weeks I’m going to start mixing in the Mazuri maintenance. Is 4 weeks too early? I’ve read mixed discussions that recommend 4 weeks up to 8 weeks. What age do they need to be switched if most of their diet is greens? I worry about too much protein and “angel wing”.

The only problem is I ordered the starter in advance if getting the babies and have way more than I need. (Ordered 4 bags and am almost done with the first, I just didn’t want to run out since it takes two weeks in the mail). Miss judged how much they would eat. Once they are adult and past the “angel wing” phase can I mix the starter back in with the maintenance to use it up? Or would that be to much protein?