The natural brooding behavior of geese is highly effective and commonly practiced by many rural goose farmers. By allowing geese to hatch their own eggs, farmers can maintain a self-sustaining breeding cycle while ensuring the health and vitality of the goslings. However, to improve hatching success and the quality of the offspring, several key factors should be carefully considered when using natural incubation:
First, providing a proper nesting environment is essential. Breeding geese need a clean, comfortable, and safe nest. It’s recommended to use soft straw or pine needles as bedding material, and replace them regularly to maintain hygiene and prevent disease.
Second, the number of eggs laid by each goose should be managed properly. The quantity of eggs in the nest should be adjusted based on the size of the goose species. Ideally, the eggs should be fully covered by the mother’s feathers to ensure even heat distribution and optimal temperature for development.
Third, selecting high-quality eggs and conducting mid-hatch checks are crucial steps. Before placing eggs in the nest, choose only those that are uniform in size and shape. During the incubation period, check the eggs three times: on day 5–7, remove any non-viable or weakly developed eggs; on day 15–18, eliminate dead eggs; and on day 27–28, finalize the removal of any remaining non-viable eggs.
Fourth, avoid letting the mother goose bathe during the hatching process. Bathing can cause her feathers to become wet and not dry quickly, which may lower the egg temperature and increase humidity, negatively affecting both hatching rates and gosling survival.
Fifth, be cautious of quail eggs being mistaken for goose eggs. Before placing eggs in the nest, clean the shells thoroughly. If quail eggs are found, remove them immediately and dull their tips to prevent confusion. If multiple geese are brooding at the same time, separate them to avoid aggression and accidental mating.
Sixth, manage feeding carefully. While it's important to provide regular nutrition, overfeeding should be avoided. Feeding the geese to about 60–70% full is usually sufficient, as overfeeding can cause the mother to wake up more frequently, leading to hatching failure.
Lastly, watch out for the mother goose stepping on the goslings. As the goslings begin to hatch, the mother may become agitated, especially if she is new to the role. Farmers should monitor the process closely, manually assist with hatching when necessary, and move the goslings promptly to reduce the risk of injury or death from stepping.
By following these practices, farmers can significantly improve the success rate of natural goose egg hatching and raise healthier, stronger goslings.
Guangzhou Fuerle Health Technology Co., Ltd , https://www.fuerlegroup.com