The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: Possum on October 30, 2016, 01:45:09 pm

Title: Fattening geese
Post by: Possum on October 30, 2016, 01:45:09 pm

We are fattening a dozen geese for Christmas. Last year they were a bit on the small side despite giving them turkey finisher pellets twice a day once the clocks had gone back. This year I have been advised to give them two thirds whole wheat and a third turkey finishers, but I don't know how much to give them.


What works for other people?

Title: Re: Fattening geese
Post by: twizzel on October 31, 2016, 09:35:48 am

My ducks are on 50:50 whole wheat and cut maize, ad lib. Can imagine it's much the same for geese. Allen and Page do a goose and duck grower/finisher which is good but our ducks finished on that last year and needed a bit more fat covering hence trying straight grains this year. Restrict their grazing space if you can, or they will just eat grass which at this time of year is starting to lack in goodness. My ducks are restricted to a patch in our garden now.

Title: Re: Fattening geese
Post by: Possum on October 31, 2016, 06:30:10 pm

Thanks Twizzel,


Restricting their grazing is a good idea. I might also give them more food in the morning so that they don't want to to eat the grass.


I don't suppose there is any chance of them over-eating and becoming too fat, is there? (Thinking of last year's pigs!)

Title: Re: Fattening geese
Post by: macgro7 on October 31, 2016, 08:44:57 pm

All they need is 2-3 weeks with limited grazing and more food than normal. I give them mixed corn and rolled oats.

Title: Re: Fattening geese
Post by: Creagan on November 04, 2016, 12:06:06 am

Mine loved bruised barley last year.

Title: Re: Fattening geese
Post by: Possum on November 04, 2016, 08:16:58 am

Morning Creagan,


Did you feed ad-lib, or did you give a set amount per goose?

Title: Re: Fattening geese
Post by: Creagan on November 09, 2016, 03:50:34 pm

Quote from: Possum on November 04, 2016, 08:16:58 am

Morning Creagan,


Did you feed ad-lib, or did you give a set amount per goose?

Ad lib, it was getting rather close to Christmas :D

Title: Re: Fattening geese
Post by: Penninehillbilly on November 14, 2016, 10:47:27 pm

If giving them whole wheat I cover in boiling water the night before. Previously I'd seen wheat grains in their droppings. Same with hens. Just softens the casing a bit.

Title: Re: Fattening geese
Post by: Possum on November 15, 2016, 06:17:16 pm

Very helpful comments - thank you all. I will increase the morning feed so that they can feed as much as possible during the day. Will look out for whole grain in their droppings. Haven't seen any so far, but they are quite keen on eating coarse sand so maybe that helps to grind down the husk.


We weighed one of the medium sized ones at  the weekend and he was 5.5 kgs, so growing nicely. :)