The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Dans on February 23, 2016, 07:20:45 am

Title: Geese feather problems
Post by: Dans on February 23, 2016, 07:20:45 am

Well the geese are producing lots of eggs but I've noticed some of their feathers are looking tatty, mainly the ones at the end of the wing and on the tail. It's at its worst on our gander but is there on the girls too.

Our shelter arrived but had damaged sections so waiting on replacements but we have moved them to another area that has a lot more shelter.

They have some water to sit in but it isn't an incredible amount. I'm looking at getting a kids sandpit which would be more.

Anything I can do for then?  Is it lack of shelter? Lack of water?

Dans

Title: Re: Geese feather problems
Post by: goosepimple on February 23, 2016, 10:21:49 am

Frost?  Ours have a big mill pond so get a good wash.  If you can give them a tin bath or something now and again I'm sure they'd appreciate it Dans, ours love swimming and being around water and they mate on the pond too.  They are on there around 2-3 times a day.  They will moult after they stop laying.  If you can't give them deep water then put out a wide bucket of fresh water filled to the top daily they can douse themselves in. 

Title: Re: Geese feather problems
Post by: waddy on February 23, 2016, 03:47:28 pm

Attempted mating if not on deepish water; if the goose tries to escape; and tussles between boys can all result in one towing another around gripping on to tail or wing feathers. I wouldn't worry too much. Mine can look a bit ragged towards the middle / end of their season but will grow a nice new set of feathers afterwards.


 :thumbsup:


Helen

Title: Re: Geese feather problems
Post by: Dans on February 23, 2016, 05:48:16 pm

Hey guys,

Thanks.

They currently have a tub (the kind of under bed storage ones) to get into but it is quiet shallow and only one can fit in at a time. They also have a builders bucket of water so they can get their whole heads in. They have those 24/7 refilled once or twice a day (depending on how mucky they are being).

It's probably the mating. They have been doing it on dry land, generally when I go over (I think my gander has an odd fetish!). We've had a couple fertilised eggs.

I swear I spend more time worrying that I'm doing alright by these geese than I go enjoying their eggs!

Dans

Title: Re: Geese feather problems
Post by: goosepimple on February 23, 2016, 08:29:14 pm

Sounds like you are doing just fine Dans, it's always a worry when you get in new breeds.  Love my geese, even at this time of year!

Title: Re: Geese feather problems
Post by: dr241000 on February 23, 2016, 09:24:12 pm

I also have this problem but this post has been helpful. thanks
Looking forward to my first eggs. :yum: :)