by Good day. Today, useful tips on keeping geese in winter and early spring. Let us remind you that summer and winter keeping and feeding of any poultry differ from each other as much as possible. Naturally, this does not mean that in late autumn, winter and early spring you can pour whatever you want into the bird feeder and not ventilate the poultry house.
The level of productivity and health of any domestic animal depends heavily on the conditions of keeping and feeding throughout the year.
Keeping geese in winter and early spring for beginner goose breeders
In winter months, it is important to maintain standard microclimate indicators, especially when the farm reproduces the flock on its own. By the way, in this case, it would be a good idea to get an incubator, allocate a separate room for it, which “concurrently” will serve as a preventive care facility for ducklings in the first week of their life.
With the help of optimal temperature, light conditions and feeding, the productive qualities of laying hens are improved and maintained at the proper level.
The requirements for hatching goose eggs are discussed in this article.
The results of incubation, quality, including viability and future productivity of the young largely depend on the genetic makeup and reproductive abilities of the gander. The priority is a male with pronounced breed characteristics, neat and healthy plumage, strong constitution and obvious meat forms (if we are talking about a meat breed of bird). One family consists of one male and three females.
The beginning of the productive period for geese falls on the last days of February. During January, a 14-hour daylight is maintained. Conventional incandescent lamps are used as sources of artificial light.
Eggs intended for incubation are collected warm and after cooling to 14-16 degrees Celsius are sent to a cool room, where they are stored for no more than ten days. A longer storage period has a negative effect on the hatchability of eggs.
Geese involved in the process of reproduction of the flock are fed three times a day. The morning and evening menu of the birds is wet mash. Such feeds include grain, succulent feeds.
Feeding Geese and Geese
Before going to bed, the geese are given sprouted grain. It contains substances that improve the reproductive abilities of females. High-protein feeds are very important for laying hens of the parent flock. Animal feeds belong to this group of foods.
To prevent males from “wearing out” (losing weight) due to use in the reproduction of the flock, they are fed oats, carrots, fish meal and fish oil a couple of weeks before incubation. During the feeding of ganders with such food, females should not be in the feeding area. They are released to the walking area. Yes, yes, the walking system is also relevant in winter.
Before releasing the birds into the fresh air, the paddock is cleared of snow. According to regulations, there should be no more than one bird per ten square meters.
Hay for geese
One of the conditions for successful wintering is the complete provision of the bird with winter feed. Including hay – 14-15 kg, succulent feed – 34-35 kg per adult bird.
Experts who know forage production firsthand advise preparing hay from mixed grasses or a mixture including clover or alfalfa. Feeding adult birds with silage is useful. Succulent feeds included in the diet are carrots and sugar beets.
All the same experienced goose breeders dry aquatic vegetation for the winter, stock up on branches and birch leaves, spruce needles. Acorns are appropriate in the winter food base. Over the winter, one adult bird eats about six kilos of such food. By the way, acorns are fed after cleaning from shells and 60-minute cooking.
In winter, bedding material is used to optimize the microclimate. And in this regard, it is very useful bacterial litter with sawdust. Its beneficial microflora, consuming the waste products of birds, produces physiological heat and inhibits the development of pathogens.
Such effects have a positive effect on the sanitary condition of the premises. In addition, The bacterial bedding lasts for about two years and during this time it eliminates unpleasant odors.
The waste material can be included in compost or used as a separate fertilizer.
To prevent water from freezing in drinking bowls in winter, it is heated and changed regularly.
