46 



Journal of Agriculture , Yicforia. [lo Jan., 1911. 



will do fairly well when confined in yards and fed upon such green feed 

 as is Found there, geese will not thrive if kept in this manner. They 

 need a large area to graze upon. If pools or streams be within easy 

 range, there need be little fear with regard to fertility. 



Breeding geese require very little grain; in fact, they can practically 

 do without any. Throughout the winter they should receive ample supnlies 

 of clovers and vegetables, such as beet, cabbage, &c., with a little bran 

 and pollard, and a few oats at night. 



Do not buy over-large stud birds ; show specimens are not always 

 safe breeders, as they are often too fat and fat birds produce infertile 

 eggs. 



One male bird with two to three females is usually found satisfactorv. 

 but the age of the parents is of great importance. It is practically use- 

 less to use immature geese — 5 to 8 year-old birds are much more satis- 

 factory. A well known breeder states that his geese when 17 vears old 

 bred strong goslings. 



Geese for market purposes are best hatched under natural conditions. 

 If left to run with the old birds they need very little care and are cer- 

 tainly safe — the gander is equal to any occasion when protecting the 

 young. 



Many breeders prefer to hatch goose eggs uncier large hens, 4 or 5 

 eggs to each, the nests being always made in damp soil. It is not 

 desirable to interfere with the bird during the period of incubation. The 

 goslings should remain in the nest for at least 20 hours, before being 

 disturbed or fed. They may then be removed and supplied with young 

 cut grass and some oatmeal. A little hard boiled egg and bread should 

 be added and made somewhat pasty with skim milk. They need a fair 

 start, after which it is astonishing how "soon they commence to graze for 

 themselves. Subsequent development is rapid. 



When large enough the young geese may be fattened. This is usually 

 done by shutting them in a clean shed, which should be scattered with 

 dry straw, and free from draughts, but with plenty of fresh air. Give 

 plenty of stout white oats in water vessel for 20 days. If the birds 

 are .somewhat dirty in plumage give them a swim, as clean goslings will 

 sell better than a dirty lot — appearance counts for much. No food 

 should be given for at least 12 hours prior to killing. 



