Gosling Care Sheet

Brooding:

Goslings require supplemental heat. They need to start at 90° for the first week with the temperature being lowered by 5-10° every week until the temperature is down to 70° for a heat lamp. If using a brooder plate, which I highly recommend for safety reasons, simply raise the plate every week. 

Goslings can generally be moved outside and off heat at around 5 weeks old. If the weather is warm, they can have supervised outside time prior to 5 weeks old. After they are off heat, they can be moved outside to their adult pens. They will still need protection from predators. 

Food & Water:

Goslings need to be fed a high quality waterfowl starter for approximately 2 weeks. Geese require additional Niacin in their feed. I suggest Mazuri Waterfowl Starter mixed with some oats. I do understand that Mazuri can be pricey so another great option is Kalmbach Duck and Goose. After 2 weeks old, they can be switched to Mazuri Waterfowl Maintenance or Kalmbach Flock Maintainer. Geese need a lower protein content to their food. It needs to be 16% or less after the first 2 weeks and all through adulthood. Avoid treats high in protein like black soldier fly larvae, mealworms, and black oil sunflower seeds. They can have unlimited romaine lettuce which is always a fan favorite. 

Geese need access to clean fresh water constantly. Start with a small dish and gradually increase the size. Make sure it is not too deep or else they can drown. I like to use a 1 gallon gravity water bowl for dogs after a week old. 

Swimming:

Do NOT allow goslings to swim unattended. Their down can become waterlogged and they can drown until they are several weeks old and have enough of the oils on their feathers. Swimming is good exercise for them so do give them time to swim while you are watching them. 

Predator Protection:

Geese are prey animals and will need adequate protection from predators. They are NOT guard animals and will NOT protect your other birds from predators. They will need to be secured at night and in a safe area during the day while grazing.