BROODING AND REARING GOSLINGS 



the first week or two so that they cannot range too 

 far and too fast and tire the goslings out. Not over 

 6 or 8 goslings should be given to a hen to brood. 



Artificial methods are very successful with gos- 

 lings much more so in fact than are artificial meth- 

 ods of hatching the eggs. Some goose raisers prefer 

 to use artificial means of brooding, especially if they 

 have only a few goslings and are brooding at the 

 same time some chicks or ducklings. 



Brooding with Hens or Geese. A suitable roomy 

 coot) should be provided to which the goslings with 

 their mother, either hen or goose, can be moved 

 when the hatch is completed. The coop should be 

 80 constructed by means of a slatted front or other- 

 wise, that the hen can be confined and the goslings 

 allowed to range. It is very desirable to get the gos- 

 lings out on grass as soon as possible. A goose with 

 goslings is often allowed to have her liberty but 

 many raisers prefer to confine her to a coop the 

 same as when a hen is used. The coop should have 

 a board floor well bedded with straw, shavings or 

 similar material. This will not only help to keep 

 the goslings dry but will also serve to protect them 

 from their enemies during the night. For this same 

 reason the coop should be so constructed that it can 

 be closed at night by means of a wire covered door 

 so as to shut out marauders, and at the same time 

 allow plenty of ventilation. The coop must be 

 cleaned often so as to keep the goslings clean and 

 dry. 



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