THE VALUE OF GEESE.

Otago Witness, Issue 2355, 13 April 1899, Page 42

THE VALUE OF GEESE.

Geese are profitable to raise requiring less care and attention than any other kind of poultry, states Farm, Field, and Fireside. They are grazing stock; just like horses and cattle, ana during warm weather will feed eagerly upon tho succulent grasses which grow upon the banks of ponds and streams,, and they will not refuse the herbage found on tho roadways. This food, with other materials picked up, will generally support them in good condition during the summer and early fall, little or no gram or any additional ration being needed. When the female has laid about a dofcen eggs she generally gets ready to incubate. This she should not be allowed to do, however, because geeie, like ducks, are poor sitters, and make but indifferent mothers. Put the bggs under a hen, arid got her to work as early in the season aB it is convenient to have the young goslings come out, for those hatched early always make the largest and finest birds. Goslings, generally speaking, are very bardy^ and when thus dealt with are not at all difficult to rear. It has been found that the best food for them at first is hard-boiled eggs chopped fine, bread crumbs, and short, sweet grass. As in the case of chickens, the coops must be kept dry and warm, but it is imperative that water be generously provided, and if there is JO pond or stream in the immediate neighbourhood facilities for drinking and "bathing ought to be supplied by artificial moans. Water for swimming is not absolutely - essential to tho welfare of the goslings, and those who have tried the two experiments are of opinion that they thrive much' better without it, and when we take into consideration the natur« of the fowl this looks reasonable. Unlike hens and duoks, geese do not arrive at maturity until their third year; nevertheless, they are longlived birds, and often attain the age of 30 years. It is not considered very profitable, however, to keep them, after their eighth year, and the gander in particular, for not infrequently he becomes quarrelsome, and oftentimes unproductive when no more than four or five years jold. Inbreeding is the greatest evil to be guarded against. Unless new blood is introduced into the flock once in every five years at least, the geese are sure to deteriorate to a serious degree. If- the flock is well kept up. however, geese can readily be-produced that will weigh from 121b to 181b apiece, dressed.