178 OUR DOMESTIC BIRDS 



GROWING WILD GEESE IN CAPTIVITY 



Wild geese mate in pairs. If they are to be bred successfully 

 in captivity, they must have a place away from other animals, 

 where they will not be disturbed. They will be more contented 

 if located near a small pool or stream. A pair of wild geese 

 is usually kept during the breeding season in a small, isolated 

 inclosure containing a permanent water supply. Here the female 

 will make her nest, lay her eggs, and hatch her brood. The male 

 at this period is very savage and will vigorously resent any inter- 

 ference with his mate. Most wild geese in captivity lay but a few 

 eggs, and the broods hatched are small. There are seldom more 

 than five or six goslings in a brood. After the young are hatched, 

 the parents may be allowed to leave the inclosure with them. 



