702 



The Breeding of Geese. 



[Nov., 



Since following this method I have never been short of 

 broody hens, and they have invariably given good hatching 

 results. 



If goose eggs are hatched artificially the temperature of the 

 incubator should be 102° F. as in the case of ducks' eggs. It 

 is advisable to sprinkle the eggs once a day with water (with 

 the chill off) and as soon as they begin to " chip " a piece of 

 flannel or old blanket should be well soaked in warm water and 

 laid over them for about 10 minutes; this will help to soften the 

 membrane of the shell and give far better results than would 

 otherwise be obtained. 



There are few prettier sights than a flock of newly-hatched 

 goslings, and almost from the first they commence to fend for 

 themselves and nibble at the grass. They do not need so much 

 brooding as chickens, and a hen of ordinary size will bring u]) 

 15 or 16 if a good mother. 



When artificial rearing is resorted to, the brooder should not 

 be at as high a temperature as for chickens; the amount of heat 

 required would vary according to the number put in, as the 

 goslings will themselves generate a considerable amount of 

 heat. This of course also applies to chickens and ducks, and 

 the novice frequently suffers considerable loss from the mistake 

 of putting a few chickens into a foster mother early in the 

 season with insufficient heat, or again in warm weather by 

 placing too many in a brooder, when they become overheated. 

 If a fair number of goslings are put into a brooder very little 

 heat is necessary after the first two or three days. 



Groslings can be fed practically the same as chickens or duck- 

 lings, with a little bran, middlings, Sussex ground oats and 

 maize meal mixed crumbly. If given a chance to range they 

 will soon provide for themselves. After the first fortnight 

 during mild, open weather, they need not be fed at all if 

 given free range, unless required for early killing. If sold 

 as ' * Michaelmas ' ' geese they can be picked up for killing from 

 the stubbles, provided there has been a sufficiency of grain to 

 put them into good condition. It is of course, a mistake having 

 built up the frame at a very low cost to market the geese in 

 poor condition, and even though they have had good 

 * ' shacking ' ' on the stubbles it may be found necessary to give 

 a little fattening meal to " finish " them. This will add to 

 their weight and naturally give them a plumper appearance 

 when dressed for table. Incidentally, flesh of a better flavour 

 and quality will result.. 



