Mary Allen
They have not complicated animals, but geese do make a few demands on their owners. An opportunity to swim is essential.
Whether wild or domesticated, all geese thrive best in large grassy areas near water. You will then find most of the food you need yourself, and above all: the richer the green fodder, the better the fertilization and rearing of the young animals.
Although in the past the waterfowl were often kept without a swimming opportunity, this is now mandatory. In the leaflet on keeping geese, Kleintiere Schweiz refers to a swimming area with clean water. This requirement is not met with a plastic pool. Horst Schmidt, the author of the book «Gross- und Wassergeflügel», recommends a tank that is two meters long and 50 centimeters deep. This would also noticeably increase the fertilization rate of the hatching eggs. Running water would be ideal to keep it fresh. If there is no constant inflow, the swimming pool must be cleaned regularly.
Geese are Far More Seasonal Than Chickens
In spring, the start of laying depends on the daylight. Laying starts about three to four weeks after an extended period of light. An eight to twelve-hour day is necessary. However, unlike chickens, gooses have a much more pronounced natural seasonal reproductive cycle, so additional light may not always help. So that the geese do not get in each other’s way when laying, each needs a nest equipped with plenty of straw. In front of it, you should build a barrier so that the animals do not steal each other’s eggs.
Although geese are generally robust and insensitive to climate, light, air, and dryness are the success factors of good housing. Absorbent bedding such as wood shavings or straw will help soak up the liquid droppings. A draught-free and frost-free barn prevent the hatching eggs from freezing in winter. If the temperatures in the barn fall below zero, the eggs can be stored in the cellar. They come back to the nest when the goose wants to start brooding.
It is practical to offer the feed in the stable so that sparrows do not eat it. Water, on the other hand, is best administered outside. This keeps the barn dry and the geese cannot soak their feed in the water. Pots with their own weight are suitable as feeding troughs so that they do not fall over. The drinking water container should be deep so that the goose can clean its eyes and nostrils.