Raising Geese

Q Unitt!

Breeds ...... • .•...... 3 Toulouse ...... 3 Emden ...... •....•...... 4 African...... • ...... 4 Chinese...... • .• ...... 4 Canada ...... 7 Pilgrim ...... 8 Buff ...... •. 8 Sebastopol ...... 8 Egyptian ...... 8 Geese milnilsement ...... 8 Mating ...... 8 Breeding facilities...... 9 Egg production ...... 10 Incubation ...... 10 Brooding and rearing .... . 1.2 Nutrition ...... •...... '13 Geese .as weeden ...... 14 Killing ilnd pickln • ...... 14 Grildlng ...... 115 Milrketing ...... 15 Geese • ..•....••.•...... • 15 Feathers ...... 15

Issued April 1972 Slightly revised April 1983

1 Raising Geese Reviewed by K. A. Holleman, Program Leader. Poultry Science, Extension Service

Geese are produced commer­ production. Other common cially on both general and specia l­ breeds in this country are Chinese, ized farms in the North-Central Canada, Buff, Pilgrim, Sebastopol, States, especially in Missouri, and Egyptian. Iowa, South Dakota, Minnesota. There are considerable differ­ Wisconsin, Ohio, and Indiana. ences in breeds and strains of Cal ifornia and Washington are geese . In choosing a breed, con­ also among the leading States in sider the purpose for which you goose production. are raising the geese. Geese are Annual production is esti­ raised for meat and egg produc­ mated at approximately 1 million tion, and as weeders, show birds, birds. The number of farms seIl­ or farm pets. Both the standard ing geese has decreased in recent breeds and crosses of breeds are years, but the number of geese raised for market. A cross of so ld per farm has increased. young white Chinese males with Geese also are rai sed in small medium-size yearling Emden flocks in all parts of the United females usually results in fast­ States as a sideline, as a hobby, or growing white geese of good for ornamental and exhibition market size. purposes. Following are the standard Geese are very hardy and are weights of various breeds and the not susceptible to many of the year5 these breeds were recog­ common poultry diseases. They nized, according to the Standard are excellent foragers alth ough of Perfection published by the selective, and can be raised on American Poultry ASSOCiation, Inc. good succulent pasture or lawn Some commercial stock, particu­ clippings as early as the first week. larly the To ulo use, tends to be somewhat lighter than standard. Breeds Toulo use, Emden, and Af rican Toulouse The Toulouse (fig. 1) goose geese are the most popular breeds derives its name from the city of raised in this country fo r meat Toulouse in southern France, a

Weight of (em

3 territory noted for its geese. This African goose is a good layer, breed has a broad, deep body and grows rapidly, and matures early. is loose-feathered, a characteristic However, it is not as popular for which gives it a massive appear­ market production as either the ance. The plumage is dark gray on Emden or the Toulouse because of the back, graduaJJy shading to its dark beak and pinfeathers. light gray edged with white on the breast and to white on the abdo­ Chinese men. The eyes are dark brown or The Chinese goose, of whi ch hazel, the bill pale orange, and the there are two standard varieties­ shanks and toes are a deep red­ the Brown and the White (fig. 4), dish orange. originated in China and probably came from the wild Chinese Emden goose. It is smaller than the other The Emden (fig. 2) was one of standard breeds and more swan­ the fir st breeds of geese imported like in appearance. Both varieties into the United States. This breed mature early and are better layers was known at first as Bremen, than the other breeds. usually named after a German city from averaging from 40 to 65 eggs per which early importations were bird annually. The Chinese goose made. The geese were later grows rapidly, is a very attractive exported from Emden, Germany, breed, makes a desirable medium­ to England and the breed was size market goose, and is very renamed Emden. popular as an exhibition and The Emden is a pure white, ornamental breed. sprightly goose. It is much tighter­ feathered than the Toulouse and, therefore, appears more erect. The Emden is a fairly good layer, but production depends on the breeding and selection of the fl ock. Annual egg production averages from 35 to 40 eggs per mature breeding goose. The Emden is usually a better sitter than the Toulouse and is one of the most popular breeds for marketing. It grows rapidly and matures early. African Th e African goose (fig. 3) is a handsome breed with a distinctive kn ob or protuberance on its head. Its ca rriage is more erect than that of the Toulouse, and its body more nearly oblong and higher from the ground. The head is light brown, the knob and bill are black, and the eyes are'dark brown. The plumage is ash brown on the wings and back and is li ght ash brown on the neck, breast, and u.nd erside of the body. The

4 Figure 1-Toulouse geese (60946-8 ).

Figure 2-Emden geese (81860-8).

5 Figure 3- F/ock of Mrican geese (18607-8).

6 Figure 4-Breedlng flock of While Chinese geese in a ~sture containing a small natural pond (1l238-A).

C.l.nada The Canada (fig. 5) is the com~ mon wild goose of North America. Subgroups range in weight from about 3 pounds for the cackling Canada goose to about 12 pounds for the giant Canada goose. The Canada is of a species dif· ferent from the other breeds of geese discussed in this bulletin and can be kept in captivity only by close confinement unless wing-clipped or pinioned. How­ ever, in some instances, Canada geese have become semi­ domesticated by long residence on the farm. Before Canada geese ca n be so ld or uansferred to another perso n, a permit must be obtained from the Fish and Wild­ life Service, U.S. Departmenl of Interio r, Washi ngton, D.C. 20242. Canada geese have long, slender necks, oblong bodies, and a horizontal carriage. This breed does not have the economic valu e

7 of the domestic breeds of geese. They mate only in pairs. are late maturing. and lay very few eggs. The wild gander is sometimes used to cross with domestic breeds. producing the so-called mongrel goose (which is a hybrid). usually sterile but with fine quality flesh.

Pilsrim The Pilgrim (fig. 6) is a medium­ size goose that is good for ma rket­ ing. A unique feature of this breed is that males and females may be distinguished by color. In day-old goslings the male is crea my white and the female gray. The adult male remains all white and has blue eyes; the adult female is gray and white and has dark hazel eyes.

Buff The Buff (fig. 7) ha s fair eco­ nomic qualities as a market goose, but only a limited number have been raised for market. The color varies from dark buff o n the back to a very light buff on the breast and from a light buff to almost white on the under pari of the body.

Sebu topol The Sebastopol ;s a white orna­ Figure 6-Flod: of Pilgrim geese. The male5 mental goose which is very atlrac­ are while; the females are Bray lB18&4-8). live because of its soh plume-like shown rapid growth, and have feathering. This breed has long, compact. meaty bodies. Medium- curved. profuse fea thers on its size birds are usually the best back and sides and short, curled breeders. feathers on the lower part of the Mate geese at least one month body. prior to the breeding seaso n. The larger breeds of geese mate besl Egyptiilln in twos or threes or in a ratio of The Egyptian is a long-legged, one ma le three or four females but very sma ll goose, kept primari­ to in large flock matings. Ganders of ly for ornamental or ex hibition some of the lighter breeds will purposes. Its coloring is mostly mate satisfactoril y with four or five gra y and bla ck, with touches of females. white. reddish brown, and buff. Do not change geese mat ings from year to year except when the Geese Management malings prove unsa tisfa ctory. M al ing Geese are very slow to mate with Select geese for mating that are new birds, so it is djfficult to make vigorous and well developed, have changes in established malings or

8 Figure 7-Breeding flock of Buff geese (81863-8). to introduce new stock into the bent downwards. Then insert your flock. If matings are changed, it is pointer finger (sometimes it helps usually advisable to keep pre­ to have a little vaseline on it) into viously mated geese as far apart as the cloaca about half an in ch and possible. Since geese are easily move it around in a circular disturbed, they should be handled manner several times to enlarge carefully. and relax the sphincter muscle Sex is difficult to distinguish in whiCh closes the opening. Next all breeds of geese except the pil­ apply some pressure directly grim. In other breeds, sex can be below and on the sides of the vent determined by examination of the to evert or expose the sex organs reproductive organs, whi ch is (fig. 8).' done as follows: lift the goose by the neck and Breeding facilities lay it on its back, either on a table Breeding geese prefer to be or over your bended knee, with outdoors. Except in extremely cold the tail pointed away from you. weather or in storms, mature Move the tail end of the bird out geese seldom use a house. Colony over the edge so it can be readily poultry houses, open sheds, or

9 barn s are provided for shelter in I:; the North. :Ioocol Geese make nests on the floor of the house or in coops, boxes, or barrels provided in the yard. Out­ side nest-boxes (fig. 9) should be at least 24 incheS square. Very crude nests are used in the open for many farm fl ocks of geese. Straw or grass hay is used for outside nests as well as for the nests on the floor of a house. Pro­ vide one nest for every three females and allow the geese to select their own nests. Separate inside nests by partitions and place outside nests some distance apart to reduce fighting.

Egg production Geese generally start laying in February or March and often lay until early summer. However, the Chinese breed may start laying early in the winter. Feed geese pelleted breeder ration at least a month before egg production is desired. They do much better on pellets than on Figure 8-(Top) Exposed reproductive mash and waste less feed. Use a organ of an immature male. (Center) chi cken-breeder ratio jf special Reproductive organ o f sexually mature feeds for geese are not available. male. (Bottom) Genital eminence of Provide oyster shells (or other cClI­ maturing female (PN-2641 ). cium sources), grit, and plenty of clean fresh drinking water at all tility may be obtai ned in eggs from times. young birds, but these eggs may Lights in the breeder house can not hatch well. Although young be used to stimulate earlier egg fl ocks are considered more profit­ production. In commerci ClI flocks, able, fema les will lay until they are artifjcial methods of hatching Clnd 10 or more years of age, and rearing are also used. ganders may be kept for more To maintain egg production, than 5 years. feed laying pellets or mash, con­ fine broody geese away from but Incubiltion in sight of their mates, and gather Gather eggs twice daily, espe­ eggs several times each day to cially during co ld weather. Store break up broodiness. them at 55° F. and a relative Young ganders make good humidity of 75 percent until set for breeders, but both sexes usually hatching. give best breeding results when If eggs are held more than a they are 2 to 5 years old. Good fer- couple of days, turn them daily to increase the percentage of hatch. 'From Bull etin 403, " Se x Determina­ Hatchability decreases fairly tion of Geese," Agricul turClI Experi­ rapidly after a 6- or 7-day holding ment Station, Unive rsity of Minnesota. period although eggs, properly

'0 Figure 9-Large laying nest for geese. The gander stays near the nest to protect the goose while she is laying (12240-A). stored, can be held 10 to 14 days Turkeys and Muscovy ducks are with fair results. larger and better than chickens for Goose eggs can be washed just hatching goose eggs. Incubate like chicken hatching eggs. Wash four to six eggs under a setting soiled eggs in warm (100 to 110°F.) chicken, and 10 to 12 under a tur­ water and a detergent sanitizer. key or duck depending on the size For best results wash eggs soon of the bird and the season of the after gathering, allow them to dry, year. Hens used for hatching and store them until ready for the goose eggs should be treated for incubator. lice. For information on control­ The incubation period for eggs ling chicken lice, contact your of Canada and Egyptian geese is 35 county agricultural agent. days. All other goose eggs hatch in If the setting hen does not turn 29 to 31 days. the eggs, mark the eggs with Small, inexpensive electric incu­ crayon or pencil and turn them bators, either still-air or forced­ daily by hand. A chicken hen can­ draft, can be used to hatch goose not turn goose eggs. eggs. However, artificial incuba­ Moisture is needed where tion of goose eggs is much more chicken or turkey hens are used difficult than eggs of chickens for setting. Sprinkle the eggs dur­ because more time and higher ing the incubation period and humidity are required. Breeders have the nest and straw on the should gai n experience with ground or on grass-covered turf. chicken eggs before attempting Some growers report better hatch­ artificial incubation of goose eggs. ability if they lightly sprinkle the When using an incubator, always eggs or dip them in luke-warm follow the manufacturer's water for half a minute daily dur­ instructions. ing the last half of the incubation Many goose breeders prefer to period. Eggs need no additional set eggs under chickens, turkeys, moisture if the setting goose has or ducks and allow the geese to water for bathing. continue to lay. Sometimes the Remove goslings from the nest eggs are set in an incubator for 2 as they hatch and keep them in a weeks and then are placed under warm place until the youngest is the hens fOf the remainder of the several hours old. If this is not time f.equired for hatching. done, the setting hen may leave

11 Figure 1o--Toulouse goslings about a month old (18598-8). the nest along with the hatched and most breeds of geese. If the goslings before all the eggs are young birds were not hatched by hatched. the brooding female, place them under her at night. Be certain Brooding and rearing broody birds are free of lice and A special brooder building is mites. One hen can raise five not required for brooding small goslings. In mild weather, the numbers of geese. Any small hens may only need to brood the building or a corner of a garage or goslings for 10 to 14 days, after barn can be used as a brooding which the goslings can get along area for a small flock if it is dry, without heat. reaso nably well lighted and venti­ Goslings are artificaJly brooded lated, and free from drafts. The in many types of heated brooders. building must also be protected Infrared lamps are a convenient against dogs, cats, and rats. For source of neat. Buy enough to brooding large numbers of geese, furnish sufficient heat at the low­ provide a barn, large poultry est temperatures expected. house, or regular broiler house. When using nover-type brood­ Allow at least 112 square foot of ers, brood only about one-third as floor space per bird at the start of many goslings as the brooder's the brooding period and gradually chick capacity. Because goslings increase the space to 1 square foot are large in size, it may be neces­ at the end of 2 weeks. If the birds sary to raise the hover 3 to 4 are confined longer because of inches higher than for baby inclement weather, provide addi­ chicks. Fence in the brooding area tional space as they increase in for the first few days with a size. corrugated-paper or wire-mesh Cover the floor with 4 inches of fence. such absorbent litter as wood At the start, set the temperature shavings, chopped straw, or peat of the hover at 85 to 90° F. Reduce moss. To maintain good litter, stir the temperature 5 to 10° per week frequently, remove wet spots, and until 70° is reached. The behavior periodically add clean, dry litter. of the goslings will indicate their Be sure litter is free from mold. comfort. If they are cold, they Goslings can be successfully will huddle together under the brooded by broody chicken hens lamps. If they are too warm, they

12 will move away from the heat use shallow pans or small feed source. hoppers in addition to the regular In warm weather, the goslings feeders, for each 100 confined can go outdoors as early as 2 goslings on full feed, provide weeks but will need frequent either two hanging tube feeders attention until they learn to go with pans that are 50 inches in cir­ back into the coop or brooder cumference or 8 feet of trough when it rains. They must be kept space. Increase the feeding space dry to prevent chilling that can as the birds grow. When feed result in piling and smothering. intake is being restricted, provide Houses are usually not needed enough space so that all geese can after the geese are 6 to 8 weeks eat at one time. old. For geese raised on range for market, use two wooden hoppers Nutrition2 or two turkey range feeders for Goslings should have drinking each 250 birds. The hoppers water and feed when they are should be large enough so that started under the brooder or hen. they will need to be filled only Supply plenty of watering space. once or twice weekly. Construct Use waterers that the birds cannot the hoppers so that feed is pro­ get into but that are wide and tected from rain, sun, and wind. deep enough for the bird to dip A mechanical feeder is suitable both bill and head. for large-scale production. Geese Start with two automatic cup­ may be fed pellets, mash, or whole type waterers for each 100 to 200 grains. For the first 6 weeks, feed geese, depending on the envi­ goslings 22 percent protein goose ronmental temperature. Increase starter in the form of 3/32- or the number of waterers as the 3/16-inch pellets. After 6 weeks, birds grow. Watering jars or a feed a 15 percent goose grower in trough with wire guard and run­ the form of 3/16-inch pellets. ning water are also suitable for Although geese can go on pas­ young goslings. If troughs are ture as early as the first week, a installed, figure on 8 feet of good share of their feed can be trough space for 500 goslings for forage after they are 5 to 6 weeks the first 2 weeks of age; then, as old. needed, increase the space up to Geese are very selective and 20 feet. tend to pick out the palatable for­ On the range the waterer can ages. They will reject alfalfa and consist of a barrel or large tank narrow-leaved tough grasses and rigged to an automatic flo~t in a select the more succulent clovers watering trough. If waterers are and grasses. Geese cannot be indoors, they should be kept'on raised satisfactorily on dried-out, wire platforms with underdrainage mature pasture. to help keep the litter dry. An acre of pasture will support For the first few days of feedin'g, 20 to 40 birds, depending on the size of the geese and the quality of lThe information on feeding geese' is the pasture. A 3-foot woven wire based upon the recommendations of fence will confine the geese to the the Department of Poultry Science, grazing area. Be sure that the pas­ Ontario Agricultural College, Univer­ ture areas and green feed have sity of Guelph, Ontario, Canada; the New Mexico Agricultural Experiment not had any chemical treatment Station, University Park, New Mexico that may be harmful to the birds. 88001; and the National Research If pasture is plentiful and of Council's "Nutrient Requirements of good quality, the amount of Poultry," revised 1977. pellets may be restricted to about

13 1 to 2 pounds per goose per week vary the amount depending on until the birds are 12 weeks of age. the availability of weeds and grass. However, for maximum growth, For more complete information increase the amount of feed as the on geese as weeders, request the supply of young, tender grass Mi~souri University Guide, de<:reases or when the geese "Weeding With Geese," from the reduce their consumption of grass. Department of Poultry Science. From 12 weeks to market, offer University of Missou ri , Columbia, the birds pellets on a free choice Missouri 65201. basis, even when on range. Mash or whole grains can be fed Killing and Picking alone or they can be mixed at 3 Withhold feed from geese for 50:50 mash-to-grain rati o. At 3 about 12 hours before killing weeks of age, use a mash-la-grain them, but keep water before mix of approximately 60:40. them. Change this ratio gradually during To kill, place geese in funnels or the growing period until at market hang them by the legs in shackles. age the geese are receiving a 40 :60 Cut throat at the base of the beak ratio of mash to grain. Depending to sever the jugular vei n and on the quality and quantity of ca rotid artery. available pasture, adjust these Geese can be scalded or picked ratios up or down slightly. dry. The dry method, if well done, Wheat, oats, barley, and corn results in an attractive ca rcass but may be used as the whole grains in is now usually considered too slow va ri ous mixtures, such as equal and laborious to be economical. pans of wheat and oats. All-corn There is also more danger of tear­ can be substituted when the ing the skin in dry-picking. goslings are 6 weeks old. For max­ Geese can be sca lded in a com­ imum growth, it is important that mercial scalder, or they ca n be mash-and-grain mixtures provide hand-scalded for a small opera­ similar nutrient intake (15 percent tion. Water temperature should be protein) as the all-mash diets. from 145 Q to 155c F. The length of Grower-size insoluble grit scald varies from 1-112 to 3 min­ should be freely available to geese utes. The time and temperature throughout the growing period. If will vary depending on age of the feeds for geese are not available, bird, time of year, and density of use a chicken feed formulated for feathering. Also, the lower the the same age bird. temperature, the longer the required sca lding time. Add a little Geese as Weeders detergent to the water to hasten Because geese will eat weeds thorough wetting of the feathers. without harming certain cultivated To hand-scald. grasp the goose plants, they are frequently used as firmly by the bill with one hand weeders for such crops as straw­ and by the legs with the other, berries, sugar beets, corn, cotton, then submerge its body (breast and ornamental plants. They are down) in the scalding water. Pull also used in orchards and the bird repeatedly through the vineyards. water against the lay of the feath­ For best results, start with 6- ers; this action serves to force the week-old goslings and provide water through the feathers to the them shade and waterers spaced skin. The sparser feathering on the throughout the field. Keep back needs lighler sca ld ing than weeder goslings hungry. A light the heavier and denser feathering feed of grain at night is enough; on the breast.

14 After scalding, the birds may be POl:Jltry Division, Agricultural Mar· rough·picked by hand, picked on keting Service, USDA, Washing· some type of conventional ton, D.C. 20250. rubber·fingered picking machine. or placed in a spinner·type picker. Milrketing Pinfeathers and down remaining C .... on the ca rcass after rough·picking Farm geese are usually marketed are difficult to remove by hand. in the fall and winter. at wh ich This is done by grasping the pin· time they are relatively free of pin· feathers between your thumb and feathers. Most geese are marketed a dull knife. Because of the diffj· when they are S to 6 months old; culty of handpicking, it is common they will weigh from 11 to 1S practice to finish the rough·picked pounds depending on the strain birds by dipping each bird in and breed. Some young geese melted wax (a wax formulated for (also called green geese or junior this purpose). geese) full·fed for rapid growth In small operations, dry off the are marketed at 10 to 12 pounds rough.picked geese just enough when they are 10 to 13 weeks old. to "take" the wax ; then dip them The best markets for geese are several times in wax held at 150° in large cities. Geese bring the to 160° F. to build up a heavy highest prices at Thanksgiving and enough layer of wax to supply Christmas. good pulling power. A better job Information on the pri ces of results with the use of two tanks of ready·to-cook geese to retailers wax, one held at 160° to 170°, and for the months of November and the second at about 150°-the December is obtainable from the holler wax is used for penetration Poultry Division, Market News and the cooler for buildup. Branch, Agricultural Marketing In large·scale operations, the Service, USDA, Washington, D.C. birds are waxed in an on·the·line 20250. process with a wax temperature Geese are sold alive usually to of 145° to 220° F. After waxing. live-poultry buyers or to poultry the birds are exposed to a cold dressing and packing companies. water spray or dipped in a tank of cold water to cool and harden the Feilthen wax to a "tacky" condition. The Goose feathers are valuable and, wax is then removed by hand if properly cared for and mar· resulting In a dean, attractive car· keted, may be a source of extra casso The wax is reclaimed by income. Three geese usually pro­ remelting and strain ing oul the duce one pound of dry feathers. pins, down, and feathers. These feathers are used chiefly by bedding and clothing industries. Grading Buyers of feathers are in most The United States standards of large cities. quality are essentially the same for Feathers may be sold to a all poultry. Geese, as other paul· feather-processi ng plant, or a try, are graded for conformation, small producer ca n wash and dry fleshing, and fattening. Defects, the feathers on hIs own premises. such as missing skin and bruises, To wash feathers, use soft. luke­ are also considered in establishing warm water to which has been quality. added either a detergent or a little Further information on the borax and washing soda. Rinse the voluntary grading program for feather1, wring. then spread them poultry may be obtained from the out to dry.

GPO : 1983 0 - 406-841 : QL 3 15