The goslings are turning into geese!
We have three American Blues and one American Lavender. Not sure who is a boy and who is a girl yet, but hopefully there is a nice mix, and mostly girls, but at least one boy! The three Blues are bigger than the Lavender, but the Lavender got a rough start. I was worried for awhile that it wouldn’t make it. It had some trouble with its legs being weak, was having a hard time walking and supporting its body. We added some vitamin supplements to their water and it has gotten much stronger, though it’s still behind the others, developmentally. They’re starting to feather out nicely, hinting at how beautiful they will be when they are mature. The Lavender is easy to identify as its feathers are much whiter/more silvery than the Blues.
In a few weeks, before we move the “meaties” to the chicken yard, the geese will move to the pond and I’ll kick the hens out, too, to give the meaties a couple of months in the chicken house/yard to themselves.
Can’t wait to see the geese on the pond!
Granny Trace says:
I have never seen those kinds of geese before. How pretty!
Thanks for pics.
Granny Trace
http://www.grannytracescrapsandsquares.com
On June 16, 2011 at 6:29 am
Barbee says:
What comical looking characters! Makes me smile just to look at them.
On June 16, 2011 at 6:41 am
chickenscratch says:
Hi Suzanne,
I just saw the pic of your geese/goslings and had to comment. It looks like a couple of them have slipped (angel) wing. I can tell by the flight feathers sticking out further than the others. This indicates that there is too much protein in their diet, causing those feathers to grow much faster than they should. If you lower their protein intake to a 15-16% ration, it will help the problem and prevent the others from getting it as well. As for the two that look like they have the condition, you should catch them , tuck the flights under the other feathers and tape them to their backs. They won’t like it, and you can remove the tape for a few hours every 3 days or so to let them stretch, but keep them taped for a couple of weeks. That may fix it. If it doesn’t, you can cut the flights off, but it does change their profile.
Just some friendly advice. I have raised geese for a while and am really familiar with their little growing quirks. If you have any questions, I would be glad to help. Have a great day!
On June 16, 2011 at 7:12 am
Suzanne McMinn says:
Thank you, chickenscratch! I had noticed that about their wings but didn’t know what was going on. We’ll do that!
On June 16, 2011 at 7:17 am
TinaBell says:
The geese look great; I’m glad Chickenscratch caught the problem with their wings…how would you have known?? It takes a village to raise a goose! Where will your chickens go when you kick ’em out? Will they roost and nest all over the place? Also, are there critters in your area that like to capture chickens for their dinners? We have all manner of chicken eating beasts here, that’s why I’m asking!
On June 16, 2011 at 10:10 am
AliciaN says:
What beautiful birds!! I love their colors.
I wonder…Can turkeys get the same problem with their flight feathers?? I think my 3 future butterball turkeys have the same thing happening…
On June 16, 2011 at 1:20 pm
Leck Kill Farm says:
Are your geese friendly? Or at least not nasty?
Growing up, my best friend’s grandparents had geese on their farm and they were the nastiest animals. They would chase and try to bite us as we walked through the pasture to the swimming pool.
Are your’s pets or future Christmas dinner?
On June 16, 2011 at 2:40 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
The geese are pets! They don’t seem mean at all.
On June 16, 2011 at 3:02 pm
chickenscratch says:
You are so welcome. I hope my advice helps.
On June 17, 2011 at 6:46 am