The Poultry Keeper

james419 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 3:26 pm Post subject: Betty goes broody!

One of our Chinese geese has decided to go broody - have seen 5 eggs there may be a 6th, her first nest was at the back of their little cabin - she has moved everything forward!!!

She is only about 9 months old - the Old Man is about 11!

Her sister is showing no interest at all but Gus has taken to being very protective including shooing the other ducks away if they get too close, had a go at me last night - when told he was being stupid - he turned round went inside and started up again - great softy.

She has only been off the nest for about 20 minutes today so hopefully she will make a go of it.

NannyP · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 4:02 pm Post subject:

How many days to goose eggs take to hatch?

james419 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:09 pm Post subject:

According to my Brinsea Bible 28-32 days - but knowing Betty any time after 28 days - she does nothing in a rush!!!

NannyP · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 5:27 pm Post subject:

Well, she lives in France...so there is no rush Very Happy

vanessa · Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 1267 Location: Correze

Great news, James. Hope they ALL hatch for her. Wink

james419 · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 7:26 pm Post subject:

Just been down to check on her and she is showing aggression - first time ever - the other day she just got off the nest and went walkies - this evening started to hiss and as I moved closer lowered her head and began to hiss much more loudly - at which point I left her too it as I don't want to cause distress, seems that she might be taking it seriously

Welsh Duck · Posted: Mon Mar 24, 2008 9:04 pm Post subject:

goodluck

james419 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 9:39 am Post subject:

Have just let her out and she is sitting on 6 lovely eggs, if they hatch out should the goslings be removed - as I have been advised that geese are not the best mothers in the world - also there are a number of other ducks in the same area as her.

Henwife · Joined: 31 Jan 2006 Posts: 3419 Location: Monmouthshire

Chinese geese are the most wonderfully protective parents - both goose & gander watch over them. My gander was fiercely protective of his sitting wife - even our rural postman refused to deliver after he had to defend himself with the dustbin lid! This from a Chinese, who must be the big softies of the goose world.

kated · Joined: 01 Nov 2006 Posts: 1982 Location: norfolk

Don't know who told you geese don't make good mothers - they are usually excellent, the gander will join in and be a protective father as well.

milkmaid · Joined: 19 Apr 2005 Posts: 7328 Location: isle of lewis

mrs fluffy started sitting as well today ,she has 5 under her and there are 6 in the incubator

james419 · Posted: Tue Mar 25, 2008 6:13 pm Post subject:

might have been tempted to take a couple but the incubator is packed at the moment

james419 · Posted: Thu Mar 27, 2008 7:14 am Post subject:

Just let the animals out and noticed that Betty is now sitting on 9! eggs - could her sister also be laying into the same nest or are these all likely to be here own , she is hardly off the nest all day yesterday we only noticed off for about 20 mins - quick wash and brush up something to drink quick snack and back to work

Is there also a limit to how many it is worth leaving her with

Any answers will be much appreciated

vanessa · Joined: 24 Sep 2005 Posts: 1267 Location: Correze

I think I'd be inclined to mark those that are there now, so you know what's being added to the clutch. The late additions, of course, will probably not be "sat on" once the bulk have hatched.