BREEDS AND VARIETIES 

 Preparing Geese for the, Show 



The preparation of geese for the show is compara- 

 tively a simple matter. It requires first of all that 

 individuals shall be selected which approach near- 

 est to the standard requirements both in type and 

 in color. As to the actual preparation for exhibition 

 the geese are practically self-prepared. For a period 

 of at least a week or ten days before they are 

 shipped to the show they should be given access to 

 a grass range and to running water. The grass 

 range tends to put them in good condition while the 

 running water will give them an opportunity to clean 

 themselves. Any broken feathers should be plucked 

 at least six weeks before the birds are to be shown 

 so as to give them an opportunity to grow in new 

 ones. 



Since all of the common breeds of geese, with the 

 exception of the Chinese, should be shown in a fat 

 condition in order to give them their best type they 

 should be given a grain mixture twice daily for a 

 period of at least ten days before the show in order 

 to get them in good flesh and to bring them up to 

 standard weight. This ration should consist of one 

 part com and two parts oats. In Chinese geese 

 where it is desired to have them in good condition 

 of flesh but without showing any tendency toward 

 bagginess, oats alone should be fed as they are apt 

 to put on too much fat when com is fed as well. 

 When the birds are shipped to the show they are 



161 



