When to butcher geese?

[GraceAK]

I want to get geese (2 so they can keep each other company) and was hoping to get Pilgrims or American Buffs. I want to get them in the spring so that they would be ready to eat by christmas or whatever other holiday warrants it. The problem I have is.... How long do they take to get up to eating size? What is the regular eating size? I've looked everywhere and can't find a thing about this....

Those goslings sure are cute!

 

[1lpoock]

Gotta go to bed now but I promise I'll find you the answer in the morning!

 

[GraceAK]

Thanks! I'm looking forward to my answer!

 

[Morri]

Edited post. This section is for discussing the raising and butchering of meat birds. If this is not to your taste, please refrain from posting in the Meat Birds section. Thank you. ~Lisa~​

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Well.... I think if you get them in May they will be ready for Christmas.... They take a bit of time to grow out.

4-6 months

 

[goosedragon]

In Olden England it was considered wastefull to butcher a goose before Michaelmas (September 29 th) "michaelmas was also one of the English and Welsh and Irish quarter days when accounts had to be settled. On manors, it was the day when a reeve was elected from the peasants. Traditional meal for the day includes goose (a "stubble-goose", i.e. one prepared around harvest time)" Of course I don't know when geese hatch in England but assume it is the same as here.

 

[GraceAK]

Oh, okay, thanks guys!

 

[1lpoock]

You can do it from 9-12 weeks, but if you go past 12 weeks it is best to wait another 6-10 weeks before doing it. Sorry for taking so long, the thread got moved and I got confused haha

 

[Soph xo]

Edited post. This section is for discussing the raising and butchering of meat birds. If this is not to your taste, please refrain from posting in the Meat Birds section. Thank you. ~Lisa~​

 

[theOEGBman]

The OP asked about processing, not your opinion on whether they should eat them or not.

Good luck, I've never eaten goose but I would love to try some. Maybe some day!