Underfed geese?

[fowltemptress]

I've seen a couple of posts like this now, and I'm sorry for going off topic, but what is it that folks are calling the keel? Is it the lobes, or something else? I can't see the keel on my geese and I'm not clear on what it is people are mistaking for the keel when they ask about being able to see it.

 

[Berd Man]

I've seen a couple of posts like this now, and I'm sorry for going off topic, but what is it that folks are calling the keel? Is it the lobes, or something else? I can't see the keel on my geese and I'm not clear on what it is people are mistaking for the keel when they ask about being able to see it.

Not the lobes, those are down underneath and droop down from belly between their legs.

The keel is basically the breast bone area. Some breeds are more naturally shaped, others like dewlap Toulouse, may have a more prominent keel and it sticks out.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keel_(bird_anatomy)

 

[fowltemptress]

I know what the keel is, but there have been a few threads I've seen now where people are concerned geese are underfed because they see a pronounced keel, and then they post pictures of normal looking geese that notably do not have a pronounced keel, so I was wondering what it was they were thinking is the keel?

 

[Goosebaby]

I know what the keel is, but there have been a few threads I've seen now where people are concerned geese are underfed because they see a pronounced keel, and then they post pictures of normal looking geese that notably do not have a pronounced keel, so I was wondering what it was they were thinking is the keel?

I’ve been confused lately too but I think they’re looking at one lobe geese and mistaking that for the keel. My guess is the misconception arises from the fact that there’s plenty of information out there stating that a prominent keel is a definite sign of poor condition, but not a lot of information about geese and their lobes.

 

[Berd Man]

By no means am I any expert. My photo above is of one of my younger buff geese…it has a “normal” keel.

The goose below is a Buff Dewlap Toulouse with a more “pronounced” keel and is also sporting two lobes.

I think it’s confusing also, birds with prominent keel are not necessarily emaciated. Some breeds have been line bred to achieve that shape. And as was mentioned, lobes can remain on an emaciated goose and shouldn’t be the sole basis of healthy body condition.

All goose breeds are a little different size-wise but if you feel the bird , the breast meat around the keel should be present. If you feel skin and bones and hardly any breast meat, then that goose is way too skinny,IMO, regardless of breed.

 

[fowltemptress]

By no means am I any expert. My photo above is of one of my younger buff geese…it has a “normal” keel.

The goose below is a Buff Dewlap Toulouse with a more “pronounced” keel and is also sporting two lobes.
View attachment 3930883

I think it’s confusing also, birds with prominent keel are not necessarily emaciated. Some breeds have been line bred to achieve that shape. And as was mentioned, lobes can remain on an emaciated goose and shouldn’t be the sole basis of healthy body condition.

All goose breeds are a little different size-wise but if you feel the bird , the breast meat around the keel should be present. If you feel skin and bones and hardly any breast meat, then that goose is way too skinny,IMO, regardless of breed.

Ah! You can't see the keel in the pictured buff toulouse, either, but I can see now how people might mistake the breast for the keel.
The keel is the bone, and if the goose is thin enough that it's visibly pronounced, that's a huge problem.

 

[Berd Man]

Ah! You can't see the keel in the pictured buff toulouse, either, but I can see now how people might mistake the breast for the keel.
The keel is the bone, and if the goose is thin enough that it's visibly pronounced, that's a huge problem.

So the keel is the actual bone but the area is generally referred to as “the keel”? lol

 

[fowltemptress]

So the keel is the actual bone but the area is generally referred to as “the keel”? lol

Never heard anyone call it the keel before now, actually. Hence my confusion. But other than myself, I don't know anyone who even keeps geese. Is that something amongst goose people?

 

[Berd Man]

Never heard anyone call it the keel before now, actually. Hence my confusion. But other than myself, I don't know anyone who even keeps geese. Is that something amongst goose people?

Maybe I just invented it…. Wouldn’t be the first time