The past few days have been amazing. Sunny. Spring-like. Full. The sunsets have been these outrageous, long-winded spectacles that don’t seem to want to stop. Just when I feel like the sky couldn’t get any prettier, I get way-layed by colors even more magnificent than the moment before. Unfortunately, I didn’t have my camera with me when the sky was hot pink and deep purple and looking like it might explode. It was during this moment of euphoria that I was stumbling about the chicken’s paddock, collecting eggs and such, that something caught my eye. I’m actually surprised I saw it because my eyes were more upturned than down, but there on the ground in the chicken’s egg coop was a little wallowed out spot, and one big goose egg. The first one from the goslings we raised in the spring. I was already feeling pretty overwhelmed with the beauty of the moment, but to then find a big ole goose egg! The moment was certainly golden, even if the egg was not!
radical farmwives
three friends, three farms, countless tales
Wow, a goose egg! I’ve never seen one. Do they just lay them outside like that on the ground? Once they get started, do they lay as frequently as chickens?
I think maybe this is the first goose egg I’ve seen as well… at least in real life! Yes, they lay them on the ground. I’m guessing they would utilize a nest if we provided one, but they can’t get up into the chicken’s nests as they are too high. Now that I know they are laying, I would like to figure out some kind of nest arrangement for them. And no, from what I understand, geese do not at all lay as frequently as chickens. We haven’t eaten it yet, but I’ll bet they are rich like duck eggs… yum!
We used to raise Africans … now we have Toulouse. That first egg of the season is always a great surprise isn’t it? You had better arrange some nesting materials out-of-the way or she’ll deposit them here and there each day until she’s done for the season. There are minor variations between breeds, but they’ll often lay 20-30 before they get down to the business of setting. I wonder whether yours means business … ours won’t get serous until April or so. Maybe your warmer temperatures predictably bring on the eggs much before us? And, they sure are a treat to eat! Enjoy and have fun …
We are looking forward to eating some goose eggs, as I’ve never had one. Are they at all like duck eggs? I imagine they are, and duck egg omelets are pretty divine. I’m wondering… do geese need to be on water for successful mating? I feel like I read that somewhere, but can’t recall the source. Have you ever heard this? Thanks… Cher
I’m not sure I’ve heard that about the breeding habits of geese … but I can report that ours seem to make babies just fine and without water. That being said, our geese spend the summer with a wading pool to cool off. That goes out well after breeding takes place however.