Author Topic: Goslings hatched by hens (Read 1680 times)

Jethro Tull · « **on:** May 27, 2018, 01:01:27 am »

After a number of failed attempts we finally hatched some goslings today, by incubating them under broody bantams.

Any tips about how to care for them from here?

roddycm · « **Reply #1 on:** May 27, 2018, 04:03:51 am »

I have reared many goslings under a hen... might be tricky with a bantam though if she is small. I always used large hens and they would take up to 5 quite happily! Goslings are very easy to hand-rear and become very tame, you just need a heat lamp and the correct starter food... they also love greens

landroverroy · « **Reply #2 on:** May 28, 2018, 01:09:12 pm »

Quote from: roddycm on May 27, 2018, 04:03:51 am

I have reared many goslings under a hen... might be tricky with a bantam though if she is small. I always used large hens and they would take up to 5 quite happily! Goslings are very easy to hand-rear and become very tame, you just need a heat lamp and the correct starter food... they also love greens

No heat lamp, surely as they're under a hen. I'm presuming that you're going to let the bantams rear them, in which case, as mentioned, get some starter feed for them, which the hens can eat as well, and the hens will do the rest for you.

roddycm · « **Reply #3 on:** May 28, 2018, 01:37:47 pm »

Quote from: landroverroy on May 28, 2018, 01:09:12 pm

[quote author=roddycm link=topic=95275.msg690955#msg690955

No heat lamp, surely as they're under a hen. I'm presuming that you're going to let the bantams rear them, in which case, as mentioned, get some starter feed for them, which the hens can eat as well, and the hens will do the rest for you.

I was saying a heat lamp if the bantam is too small and they have to be hand reared

but yes if she can do the job then no need for a heat lamp! I've raised many under hens... mainly LF Sussex, Cochins and Brahmas though so size was not an issue. His lungs grow fast so a wee bantam may not be able to cover them for as long as they will need...

doganjo · « **Reply #4 on:** May 28, 2018, 01:55:10 pm »

I know it can be nervewracking for hens if they raise ducklings then they try to go into water - have heard hens gong mental beside our pond for that reason. Does this not apply to geese? Don't they go into water?