[CluckyChicken]

Hi,
I'm in the process of hatching out some more chicks, and I was given 4 goose eggs.  So, I put them in the incubator for 28 days, and this morning, I found one had pipped! ( I already have 14 chicks out of 17 eggs, and two more have pipped!)  I was wondering if the goslings need water to play in from when they first hatch, or not until they are older.  If so, how old?  Thanks! 

[joyfull]

wow lucky you - I want a couple of goslings, what breed are they?

[GrannieAnnie]

I think they need to be fully feathered before they can get near water, bit like ducks, but don't quote me as the last geese we had was when they were off heat at 6 weeks, but they never had a pond, just tonnes of grass!

[Squibbs]

If they were with their mother they get the oils off her - as they arent they should have water to go in (as opposed to drink) for 6-8 weeks. They can come off heat rather quickly though - mine were off by a week

Apparently you also shouldn't be the first thing the gosling sees - its better if they see each other first so they don't get attached to you in a 'my mother' fashion.

Gosling are fun - they are much more personable than chicks and chickens. They do make more poo though

[CluckyChicken]

okay, thanks Squibbs and Grannie Joy- I'm not sure what breed they are.  I was just told by my mum 'here are 4 goose eggs.  now make some room in the incubator.' 

[Helenaj]

Goslings shouldn't be introduced to a pool until they are fully feathered and then only need a shallow bath as they and adults only use the water to wash and drink - they don't swim like ducks.