The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: pigsatlesrues on March 12, 2009, 03:36:27 pm

Title: Goose Question Please!
Post by: pigsatlesrues on March 12, 2009, 03:36:27 pm

One of my females has built her nest and has laid and buried two eggs so far.  Now I know the eggs are not fertile because my boys talk the talk but unfortunately do not walk the walk!!  I also know that by taking them away she may lose interest.  The thing is that she deserves this because she has been laying all over the place to find her spot, and each time the pigs have stolen her eggs.  She had finally found her haven so I would like to help her out.

I have been offered ten fertile eggs today.  My question is - if I put the ten in her nest, will she realise she has the right number - I am sure twelve ish is about right.  Will it register and tell her body clock it is time to sit?  Alternatively, how long can I keep the donated eggs, (well a euro each actually), before adding them in?  I remember a duck laying in the garden some years back and she laid 13 over three weeks.  Not sure if it the same with geese though.  Should I just bury them in with the other two anyway so that they are all sharing the same atmosphere and temperature and leave it to chance?

Thanks everyone!

Kate  :-\

Title: Re: Goose Question Please!
Post by: jameslindsay on March 12, 2009, 06:38:14 pm

I think the eggs can stay ok for a week anyway, going on experience from my duck eggs. Sorry I can't answer your other question, I have 2 boy Roman Geese and would have loved for a girl goose. Good luck.

James

Title: Re: Goose Question Please!
Post by: doganjo on March 12, 2009, 10:41:41 pm

We had a pheasant in the garden who laid an egg a day till there were 13 then sat on the nest and even our dogs couldn't shift her.  I think hens eggs are viable for 3 weeks.

Title: Re: Goose Question Please!
Post by: carl on March 12, 2009, 11:02:17 pm

i think they lay a clutch of eggs, leaving them for part of the day, then when they are ready they sit tight and the constant warmth over 24 hours triggers the fertiliity to kick in. Not sure how many though. i have lost both my girls and just have three naughty boys (terrorists). i am planning to introduce some girls, and take away a boy or two.

Title: Re: Goose Question Please!
Post by: pigsatlesrues on March 13, 2009, 08:42:37 am

Thanks all.  Will be collecting them this evening, so will introduce them to her nest in the morning when she comes out for her wander.

Kate  :)

Title: Re: Goose Question Please!
Post by: MrRee on March 13, 2009, 10:22:39 am

Want a gander Kate? I think I've ended up with four and no females and no blinking eggs!.... Ree

Title: Re: Goose Question Please!
Post by: pigsatlesrues on March 13, 2009, 03:04:30 pm

I have three boys and two girls thanks John.

I just never see them doing the business, and two years back I had to buy goslings to put under the grey one otherwise she would never have left her nest.  I thought eggs would be a better option this time.  Time will tell anyway.

Thanks anyway.

Kate  ;)

Title: Re: Goose Question Please!
Post by: carl on March 13, 2009, 03:43:19 pm

Why do we all have too many ganders? scared of eating them? guilty as charged. Have tried, but such hard work.