Q: I am a farmer. How can I tell the difference between egg-laying geese and meat-producing geese?
A: Identifying egg-laying geese involves observing their physical appearance and behavioral changes. About 10 days before they start laying eggs, a hen goose will show increased appetite, especially for green feed. Her feathers will appear shiny and close to her body, with the neck looking tight. Her eyes will appear bulging, and the area around her head may turn yellow. She will move quickly, and her tail feathers will stretch outward. The distance between her pubic bones should be about 3 to 4 finger widths, and her voice will be quick and low. One week before laying, you might notice some abnormal discharge near the vent. Two to three days before laying, she may start scratching the ground and preparing a nest. These are all signs that she is about to lay eggs.
When the egg production rate reaches 2 to 30%, her crop (esophagus) won't be very noticeable. But once it hits around 35%, the vent becomes loose, and you might see a slight depression on the outside of her abdomen. Generally, hens just starting to lay eggs have smooth feathers that don’t stick together when it rains.
To check if a goose has stopped laying eggs, hold the base of both wings with your left hand, wrap your arm around her neck, and use your right palm to rub along the direction of the feathers from the back toward the belly. If there’s no resistance or softness in the area, it's likely that the goose has stopped laying eggs.
By observing these physical and behavioral cues, farmers can better manage their flocks and ensure optimal egg production. Regular monitoring helps in making timely decisions regarding feeding, housing, and breeding strategies.
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