BROODING AND REARING GOSLINGS 



conditions. Usually, however, where only a few 

 geese are reared each year, old and young stock 

 are allowed to range together. 



Feeding the Goslings. Like chicks or ducks, gos- 

 lings do not need to be fed as soon as hatched, the 

 yolk of the eggs providing all the nourishment they 

 need for at least 36 hours. They should, however, 

 be furnished water to drink as soon as the hatch is 

 completed. 



The first feed should consist of stale bread, 

 soaked in milk or water. With this material should 

 be mixed boiled eggs chopped up fine. The goslings 

 should be fed 3 or preferably 4 times daily until 

 they are 2 or 3 weeks old. Chopped grass or some 

 other green feed should be added to the feed, the 

 quantity fed being increased steadily. It is impor- 

 tant to get the goslings out on grass as soon as pos- 

 sible, which should be after the first 2 or 3 days if 

 the weather is good, so that they will be able to 

 graze for themselves. Five per cent of fine grit or 

 sharp sand should likewise be added to the feed. 

 Some growers prefer to feed the grit or sand in a 

 hopper to which the goslings have constant access 

 and from which they can help themselves. A con- 

 stant supply of fresh drinking water is essential and 

 this should be provided in drinking fountains or 

 dishes such that the goslings cannot get their feet or 

 bodies in them. 



When a good grass range is available, the gos- 

 lings, after they are 2 or 3 weeks old, will need only 



183 



