The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: agoosecalledshakespeare on April 30, 2016, 11:14:45 pm
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Evening all,
We have 3 15 day old Brecon Buff goslings that we bought as two day olds a fortnight ago. Two of them are thriving - growing nicely and very vigorous and squeaky. The last one is about a third to a half smaller than his/her compadres and doesn't seem as strong.
They are still under lights and on a diet of chick crumbs and fresh grass. We have an adult goose but have never raised goslings before.
Is it normal that they grow at different rates (which seems unlikely), or is there anything I can do to perk it up a bit?
Many thanks,
Naomi
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Any group of youngstock will possibly have ones that grow slower or faster. The main thing is that if they are growing slower is it because they are healthy but smaller or not thriving? If it is happy enough and getting enough food I wouldn't worry.
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We had one a few years back that didn't grow like the rest - subsequently died about 6 weeks old I'm afraid, was super cute but just didn't grow properly, it had a bit of trouble getting out of the shell at birth and needed a bit of help - seems it was nature's way I think that if they can't make it out of the shell then they are probably weaker anyway.
Hope your wee gosling does ok, all the best Shakespeare.