early in December, then put on laying ration and commence egg production 

 in about three weeks after housing. As would be expected, the first eggs are 

 more liable to be infertile. For hatching, the eggs should not be trusted to 

 the ducks, as they are inclined to be unreliable. Where most convenient 

 hens can be used for hatching and brooding, but on a large scale the best 

 way of course is to use incubators and brooders. Eggs will require 28 days 

 for hatching. 



GEESE 



There are many places on the average farm that are not suitable for 

 cultivation or for the raising of chickens, that could be profitably utilized for 

 a goose pasture. Low, swampy places can be used provided there is also 

 some high ground. 



Goose culture requires less capital than any other branch of the poultry 

 business, as very little housing is necessary and they are turned onto the 

 land very much like cattle. A rough shelter free from extreme drafts should 

 be provided and a deep litter kept on the ground inside. The quarters should 

 be kept reasonably clean, for although they will stand more filth and neglect 

 than chickens it is not the proper way to care for them and good results 

 cannot be obtained without considering the health of the flock. 



Mating usually takes place some time in February and after the fowls 

 have been penned together for a week or ten days it is not necessary to 

 keep the various pens separate. Once the family ties are firmly established 

 they will be lived up to during the entire season. Two or three females are 

 all that should be mated to a male. 



Geese are long-lived and ten-year-old birds are quite common. Fe- 

 males of three years or over are the best for breeding purposes and their 

 usefulness continues throughout their entire life. Young ganders are more 

 desirable for breeders because of their activity. Old ganders also get quar- 

 relsome with age. 



There is a difference of opinion as to which is the best breed of geese, 

 but the Toulouse, Embden and African are the most popular for general 



purposes. 



A goose will lay from twelve to twenty eggs before becoming broody, 



but twelve is about the right number for a setting for the best results. 



Twenty-eight days are necessary for 



incubation. 



If goslings are well hatched 



little difficulty will be experienced in 



raising them. They can be given 



about the same feed as little chicks, 



with the exception that green food 



such as fine cut grass or vegetable 



matter should be given several times 



a day after the first day. 



The old goose should be kept 



in a coop and the goslings allowed to 



run about. After a month they can 



be let out to range and very little 



attention will be necessary. They are 



very light eaters and if the pasture is 



good only a little other food will be illustration NO. 21. 



needed. A good mash feed for them 



is made by mixing two parts of 



bran with one of cornmeal. A vari- 

 ety of vegetables such as beets, potatoes, turnips, cabbage, etc., should be 



given them. 



31 



