Geese are sensitive birds, and they require specific temperatures and humidity levels for successful hatchings. Before starting the process, make sure you have a few things prepared: a reliable incubator, fertile eggs, a hygrometer, and a thermometer. The incubator should be kept in an area free from vibrations, air drafts, and direct sunlight. The temperature should be steady between 37.5 to 38 degrees Celsius, and the humidity level should not exceed 55% for the first 24 days and increase to 65% to 75% for the remaining period.
Collect only high-quality goose eggs from your breeding flock for hatching. You can confirm the fertility of the eggs by candling them. Candling involves shining a bright light through the eggs to reveal their interiors. Separate the infertile and cracked eggs from the fertile ones. Dirty eggs have a high risk of bacterial contamination, so clean them gently without washing using a soft and damp cloth.
Once you have all the required things, you can start the hatching process. Set the incubator up and warm it up for a day before putting the eggs inside. Place the eggs on their sides on the incubator trays and turn them regularly, but avoid unnecessary handling of the eggs. Turning the eggs ensures that the embryos develop evenly.
Monitor the temperature and humidity levels regularly using the hygrometer and thermometer. It’s essential to maintain the right conditions to avoid deformities and to prevent losing a whole clutch of eggs. Also, keep an eye on the eggs for any signs of illness or dead embryos.
After 28 to 30 days of incubating, the eggs start to hatch. You will notice a small hole in the eggshell, from which the gosling starts to emerge. At this point, it’s vital not to interfere with the hatchlings as they emerge. The process can take up to 24 hours, and the goslings need time to rest after hatching, so leave them be.
Once the goslings hatch, transfer them to a warm brooder with heat lamps for the first seven days. Provide sufficient waterers and feeders with fresh water and starter feed in the brooder. The goslings will need warmth for the first two to four weeks of their life, so ensure that the temperature is around 32 degrees Celsius.
In conclusion, hatching goose eggs is a delicate process that requires care and attention. With proper equipment, fertile eggs, a suitable incubation environment, and patience, anyone can hatch goose eggs successfully. Although it’s essential to maintain crucial temperature and humidity levels during incubation, remember not to interfere with the hatching goslings as they need to develop and hatch naturally. Happy hatching!