Money in Broilers and Squabs. 131 



Any changes in the mating of geese should be made in the fall, 

 or certamly before January, if the best results are expected. 



Two or three litters of eggs may be secured by "breaking up" 

 the goose by shutting her in a pen for a few days when broody, and 

 setting the eggs under hens. 



A writer in American Stock Keeper says that after the 28th 

 day of incubation, goose eggs should be put in milk warm water a 

 few moments each day. 



The shells of the eggs being tough, it is necessary to sprinkle 

 them every now and then during the hatch, with luke-warm water. 



The eggs should be gathered as soon after they are laid as pos- 

 sible, to avoid their being chilled. 



A goose is usually given 11 eggs for a sitting, although a verv 

 large one might cover thirteen. 



The fertile eggs usually hatch at the end of 28 or 30 days, but 

 a longer time is occasionally required. 



When each goose has her own nest she can easily be set at the 

 end of the second or third litter as desired. 



After the eggs have been incubated for about 7 to 10 days they 

 can be tested, and the infertile ones taken out. 



The eggs should be kept in a moderately warm place, not too 

 dry, and should be turned over every day until set. 



Children should never be allowed to approach geese during 

 incubation, as they are capable of inflicting serious injury. 



If the nests of the geese are properly provided with straw, the 

 eggs will never be sufficiently soiled to require washing. 



Five to seven eggs, according to the size of the hen, are 

 enough, as they require considerable heat, and should be well 

 covered. 



Hens are generally used to hatch the first eggs, and for this 

 purpose quite large hens, as Brahmas or Cochins, are generally pre- 

 ferred. 



The early-hatched goslings must be kept from severe cold at first. 

 As they come out they should be brought into a warm room and 

 wrapped in flannel until all are hatched, says Farm Journal. The 

 best time to take the young out of their wraps and put them with 

 the hen is in the evening. 



"Great laying in geese is not to my mind any recommendation," 

 says an old breeder, in American Stock-Keeper. "I prefer a goose 

 that will lay a good sitting — say from 12 to 15 eggs— and then sit 

 down and hatch them and bring off her flocks to the fields as soon 

 as they can be trusted to ramble far from home." 



Whether your goose eggs are set under hens or turkeys, they 

 should be sprinkled during the incubating period, says, Prof. Cush- 

 man, in Country Gentleman. In this section it is done twice per 

 week after the fifteenth day, and more freely just before the twenty- 

 eighth day, when they commence to hatch. 



The broody goose plucks off more or less down from her breast 

 with which to line the nest and cover the eggs whenever she leaves 

 them. 



