I/O OUR DOMESTIC BIRDS 



Too many geese in a pasture spoil the grass for themselves as 

 well as for other stock. Even when cattle have access to all 

 parts of a pasture in which there are geese, a small space should 

 be inclosed for a feeding pen, where food for the geese will be 

 out of the reach of other stock. This is especially necessary 

 during the breeding season, when they usually require extra food. 



Feeding. A flock of geese in a good pasture need no other 

 food except at the breeding season or when they are being 

 fattened. If there is any doubt about the pasturage being suffi- 

 cient, a small trough or box containing grain of any kind that it 

 is convenient to give them should be put where they can eat 

 what they want. When there is snow on the ground, they should 

 have a little grain and all the cabbage, beets, turnips, or other 

 vegetables they want. 



Laying season and habits. Geese usually begin to lay in 

 February or March. As many nests should be provided as there 

 are geese, for while two or more geese sometimes lay peaceably 

 in the same nest, it is more likely that each goose will want one 

 to herself. A barrel placed on its side in a secluded place makes 

 a good nest. Geese are sometimes very notional about the loca- 

 tion of the nest and, neglecting one provided for them, may 

 choose a spot right out in the open or in some place where the 

 nest is not well protected. When they do this, it is a good plan 

 to place over the nest, without disturbing it, a large box with a hole 

 cut in one end for passage. Geese, like ducks, lay very early 

 in the morning. When they begin laying while the weather is 

 cold, the person who has charge of them must be up early and 

 get the eggs before they are chilled. A goose usually lays from 

 twelve to eighteen or twenty eggs and then goes broody. The 

 common practice is to set the first lot of eggs under hens, and 

 keep the goose away from her nest until she shows no inclina- 

 tion to sit. She may then be allowed access to the nest and 

 before long will begin laying again. As a rule the second lot of 

 eggs will be fewer in number than the first. When the goose 



