Description

Domestic geese are kept for eggs, meat, pets, lawnmowers and conservation. There are many breeds and types to choose from and if reared from goslings, become tame and kind, except when defending their young.  
Husbandry is simpler than for chickens but the need for water both to drink and play in makes them prone to creating a certain amount of mud. Anatomy is similar to chickens and their health is more robust, but they do have several vulnerabilities such as weaker legs and hiding their signs when unwell to avoid predation. The metabolism of birds is significantly higher than mammals, so illness (and recovery) can both happen quickly.
Geese thrive on good quality pasture but cannot be kept indoors for any length of time due to their need for grass. When the quality of grass wanes in the autumn and winter, supplementary feeding is appreciated. Geese nibble everything, so can do extensive damage to tree bark and wooden structures.
Ornamental geese are those wild species which are kept in captivity, for conservation, breeding and pleasure. The different species can be mixed if careful choices are made and they need to be kept within a predator-proof enclosure as they will have been pinioned. Some collections may be open to the public.
There are some simple preventative measures to take to maintain good health of geese. Breeding the domestics is not difficult but breeding the ornamentals can be complicated.
There are very few licensed medications for geese and the Cascade indications for medication will be discussed. The most efficient route of administration for antibiotics is intramuscular injection, usually in the breast muscle (alternating sides if sequential) which is safer than the leg. Depending on the drug, there may be some irritation at the site. Soluble products may be crop-tubed, the wormer is added to feed.
Birds have a high metabolic rate with the daily fluid requirement considered to be 50 ml/kg/day. Ill birds are likely to be 5 – 10 % dehydrated, hypothermic (normal temperature 40 - 42°C, 46°C is lethal) and in need of quiet. For mild dehydration, warm isotonic fluids are easily administered subcutaneously (e.g. the inguinal region), or orally via a crop tube. Veins usually accessible for the intravenous route include the right jugular, medial metatarsal and ulnar, but haematomas are easily acquired and vein collapse is common. Intraosseous administration is easier and, if necessary, crystalloids, blood, antibiotics, glucose and parenteral nutrition can be provided via this route. The distal ulna or proximal tibiotarsal bone is used and a catheter can be left in place for about 72 hours.
Any bloods taken (<10 ml/kg from a healthy bird or 1% of total mass) should be sent to a laboratory with avian parameters. Feathers and blood smears can be examined under the practice microscope, but it is useful to remember that avian red blood cells contain nuclei and white cells are called heterophils.

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