fodder/geese observations

Feb 04, 2017 11:25:55

I've started feeding the geese barley fodder. We had a warming trend for about a week. The ground was still covered in snow but the female INSISTED on flying out of the pen. She just gets enough lift to make it over the fence, the gander's too big for that. I started with the fodder, now she stays in but still gets what she needs.
At first the gander let her eat all of it, then most of it, now roughly half. From what I've read, males need increased protein to do their job well.
When she starts setting, I'll mix some corn in with the barley to sprout.

Feb 06, 2017 16:57:30

Corn might be good for change in variety but it's protein content is a little lower. Glad to here she is liking the fodder.

Feb 06, 2017 20:14:20

Corn gives them diarrhea. I only give corn to help maintain their temperature. I'm hoping by sprouting I'll avoid this. It's like filling up on candy. Not very nutritious, but they love it. I'm also growing an heirloom variety. I feel like the modern varieties don't have as much nutrition. Since they have undigested corn in their diarrhea, the sprouting may help. We'll see.

Feb 26, 2017 11:32:40

The female seems to prefer the more mature "grassy" fodder and the male prefers the grains with just the tail.

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