African geese: description of the breed and characteristics, rules of keeping

The ancestor of the African goose, despite the name, is considered wild Chinese. This poultry has a large fleshy body. In terms of size, representatives of this breed occupy the third place among heavyweight geese. At the same time, the bird is characterized by a calm disposition. Due to the described characteristics, African geese have become widespread in domestic animal husbandry.

Appearance and characteristics of African geese

Among the features that characterize African geese are the following:

• grey-brown or brown feathers;
• presence of a beak "purse";
• no belly fat folds found in other geese;
• wide and powerful torso;
• compact head on a long neck;
• black beak.

An important feature of the representatives of the African breed is considered to be a bump on the forehead, which increases as they grow older. The same happens with the black stripe running down the back from the head.

Gander weight reaches 11 kilograms, goose - 9 kilograms. Moreover, with active fattening, this figure can grow to 13 kilograms.

African geese are considered centenarians. Oviposition takes place over several years. Despite the fact that geese of this breed do not impose strict requirements for care, birds in cold regions must be kept in well-equipped aviaries. At sub-zero temperatures, the beak "purse" is frozen.The offspring of this breed develops slowly. Young growth reaches sexual maturity by two or three years. On average, a goose produces up to 20-40 large eggs during the year.

Pros and cons

Pros and conslarge body weight;dense plumage;lack of specific care requirements;ability to adapt to different climates;good disposition.inability to tolerate negative temperatures;low, in comparison with other breeds, egg-laying;slow development of offspring.

African geese are bred mainly for meat. Feathers of these birds are used less frequently.

Subtleties of maintenance and care

As noted, representatives of this breed do not impose special requirements in terms of maintenance and personal care. Birds need access to water bodies. If this cannot be arranged, it is recommended to install a structure with water on the site where the geese can swim.

These birds live in flocks, although you can keep one individual. When designing a pen, the area of \u200b\u200bthe interior is determined at the rate of 1 square meter per adult male. The poultry house for the African breed must be insulated by closing all the holes. Geese do not tolerate drafts, due to which diseases develop and offspring die.

In poultry houses it is necessary to install drinkers and boxes with mineral feed. A layer of sawdust and sand should be applied to the floor. It is recommended to equip nests and a manhole inside the house.

Meeting plan

The basis of the diet in the warm season is fresh grass. Geese eat:

• cattail;
• reeds;
• sorrel;
• yarrow;
• dandelion and other herbs.

Daily, adults are recommended to feed up to two kilograms of green grass. Additionally, roughage should be given in the evenings:

• potato;
• beets;
• grain;
• corn.

Also, supplements such as table s alt, fine gravel or chalk should be added to the diet. This stimulates the bird's digestion. Geese need plenty of fluids. Water must be poured so that the bird can completely submerge its beak with nostrils. To speed up weight gain, oats, wheat, corn and barley are included in the basis of the diet.

Young animals should be given bread soaked in water. In the second week, green grass and boiled potatoes are introduced into the diet. By the month, young animals can be taken out for free grazing.

During the winter, African geese are switched to solid foods, including ground millet, corn and wheat. The bird is recommended to give food waste, boiled potatoes with beets and carrots. Pine and spruce needles are included in the diet as a vitamin supplement.

Features of reproduction

African geese reach sexual maturity at two years of age. However, the productivity of males after four years gradually decreases. It also affects the conditions of detention. At temperatures below +23 degrees, the gander becomes inactive.

Females reach puberty earlier. The most productive period is considered to be up to the first three years. It is recommended to leave up to four geese for one gander. This does not exclude the possibility of pairing. Representatives of the African breed, like a number of others, often choose their “favorite” female. In such cases, ganders are rejected. The same should be done if the male begins to show aggression. But such situations are less typical for the African breed than for others.

In addition, every 3 years it is recommended to introduce a new gander into the flock to renew the blood.

Diseases and treatment

For African geese, infectious diseases caused by non-compliance with conditions of detention are more common. The risk group is mainly young animals. Pathologies that are more often diagnosed in birds include the following:

1. Viral enteritis. It affects mainly the liver, causing the death of up to 95% of the offspring. Enteritis is not treated. But as a prevention of infection, young animals are vaccinated.
2. Salmonellosis. A severe disease that affects the entire body. Treated with Furazolidone.
3. Colibacillosis. The most common disease that causes weakness. Heals with Baytril.
4. Pasteurellosis, or cholera. It usually develops due to parasites. Treatment is with antibiotics.

Also, geese often have blockage of the esophagus caused by dry food. The treatment is carried out with the help of sunflower oil.

Recommended