Rearing
- Geese are excellent grazers and do well on rough land.
- Elaborate housing is not needed, just shelter against the sun, and storms, but protection from the fox is advisable.
- Geese seldom suffer from disease, however use of the same land can lead to gizzard worm.
- Stocking rate : 40-50 Adult geese per acre.
Care of Goslings
- Goslings need heat from day-old to 1-2 weeks old
- Goslings are best kept on grass and should not be allowed to become too wet.
- A 250 watt, infra red lamp will brood 30-40 goslings. Suspend the lamp 15 inches above litter and gradually raise when weaning off heat.
- A surround of hardboard will keep out draughts.
- Use straw for bedding
Feeding
- Use a good goose/duck starter when young.
- Use oyster grit to assist digestion.
- When on grass reduce compound feed gradually. A small amount of corn or pellets can be given once a day in the evening.
- A good supply of short grass should be available.
- If penned do not keep in lots of more than 200 and move pens as necessary.
- Swimming water may be allowed in early months but not during the finishing period.
Finishing
- Allow 6-8 weeks to finish depending on condition.
- Keep as quiet as possible, preferably with the same person attending to them.
- Finish with ad-lib feed in a cattle yard or similar housing, or on a reduced grazing area.
- Only natural daylight should be available when finishing.