Key Techniques for Raising Egg Geese

Egg geese generally refer to breeding geese. The laying period of geese is usually between 5 to 7 months of age, with the egg-laying period lasting 8 to 9 months. When raising egg geese, there are many tricks to be aware of. Let's learn some key techniques for raising egg geese together.

Key Techniques for Raising Egg Geese

1. Keep Grazing Nearby: Geese are herbivorous waterfowl. Even if you have free-range conditions, do not place laying geese too far away. Geese have a habit of returning to their nests to lay eggs. If you see a female goose not eating grass, stretching its neck, and calling out, it may be exhibiting nest-building behavior. In this case, drive it back to the shed for egg laying.

2. Provide Adequate Feed: Four weeks before laying, start feeding a mixed diet consisting of 25% to 30% grains and 70% green grass and vegetable leaves, supplemented with soybean cake to achieve a crude protein level of 15% to 16%. Feed each goose 250 to 300 grams per day and provide sufficient high-quality roughage such as husked grain and dry hay powder. If there are free-range conditions, prioritize grazing and feed a small amount of concentrate.

3. Provide Night Feed: Feeding at night is an important measure to increase egg production, especially during the pre-laying and laying periods. Feed at night 1 to 2 times per night, and egg production can reach 40 to 80 eggs per year.

4. Keep Good Male Geese: A goose flock can be utilized for 3 to 4 years. Good male geese should be selected because they are aggressive. It is best to form a group before laying (during the breeding season) to avoid temporary grouping causing disturbances, which can affect the fertility rate of laying geese. The male-to-female ratio of geese should be around 1:6.

5. Assisted Artificial Mating: Geese prefer mating in water, which has a high fertilization rate. Artificial assisted mating can also be adopted. The method involves holding the female goose's legs and wings with one hand to lure the male goose closer. When the male goose steps on the female goose's back, hold the female goose with one hand and lift its tail with the other hand to facilitate mating. After several training sessions, the male goose will approach for mating when it sees a person catching the female goose. Artificial assisted mating should be carried out every time the female goose lays eggs to improve the fertilization rate of breeding geese.

In summary, the management of egg geese can be divided into egg-laying and non-egg-laying stages. With proper care, geese can lay more eggs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How can I ensure the health of my egg geese?

Ensuring the health of egg geese involves providing a balanced diet, adequate shelter, and regular veterinary care. Monitor their behavior and appearance for any signs of illness or distress.

2. What should I do if my egg geese are not laying eggs?

If your egg geese are not laying eggs, it could be due to various factors such as inadequate nutrition, stress, or health issues. Ensure they are receiving a proper diet, have access to clean water, and are not experiencing any environmental disturbances.

3. How do I prevent egg breakage in my egg geese?

To prevent egg breakage, provide nesting boxes filled with soft bedding material for egg-laying geese. Ensure the nesting area is quiet and secluded to minimize disturbances. Collect eggs regularly to prevent them from accumulating and getting damaged.

4. What are some common health problems in egg geese?

Common health problems in egg geese include respiratory infections, egg binding, and nutritional deficiencies. Keep the housing clean and dry, provide a balanced diet, and monitor for any signs of illness.

5. How can I control parasites in my egg geese?

To control parasites in egg geese, practice good hygiene by regularly cleaning the housing area and providing clean bedding. Use parasiticides recommended by a veterinarian and monitor for signs of parasitic infestations such as itching, feather loss, or abnormal behavior.

6. Can egg geese be raised in cold climates?

While egg geese prefer warmer climates, they can be raised in cold climates with proper shelter and care. Provide insulated housing, access to fresh water that does not freeze, and ensure adequate nutrition to help them withstand colder temperatures.

7. How long do egg geese typically live?

Egg geese can live for 10 to 20 years or more with proper care and management. Ensure they have a comfortable living environment, access to nutritious food, and regular veterinary check-ups to promote longevity.

8. Can egg geese coexist with other poultry species?

Yes, egg geese can coexist with other poultry species such as chickens and ducks, but it is essential to provide adequate space, separate feeding and watering areas, and monitor for any aggressive behavior or territorial disputes.

9. What should I do if my egg geese are aggressive?

If your egg geese display aggressive behavior, it may be due to stress, overcrowding, or territorial disputes. Provide ample space, reduce stressors in the environment, and separate aggressive individuals if necessary to prevent injuries.

10. How do I introduce new egg geese to an existing flock?

When introducing new egg geese to an existing flock, do so gradually and in a neutral territory. Monitor for any signs of aggression or bullying and intervene if necessary to ensure a smooth integration process.