Rhine geese: description and characteristics, pros and cons and breeding

Rhine geese were bred in Germany and are widely distributed in Eastern Europe. These birds came to Russia in the sixties of the last century from Hungary. Rhine geese are characterized by high egg production parameters and rapid development. To achieve good results in raising birds, it is important to provide them with the right care. Prevention of pathologies is of great importance.

Description and characteristics of the Rhine geese

Rhine geese are characterized by excellent external data. That is why representatives of this breed often win prizes at international exhibitions. So, birds have the following features:

1. Snow white color with a silver tint. At the same time, feathers do not change color even during molting. This feature distinguishes the Rhine geese from other breeds that change color depending on the seasonal factor or the weather.
2. High quality down. Birds are characterized by strong feathers that fit snugly to the body.
3. Smashed torso. It is small in size. Birds are also characterized by well-developed muscles.
4. Round back. It is slightly inclined towards the back of the body and gradually passes into the tail. There is a small bump on the back.
5. Wide chest. She is considered well developed, short and muscular.
6. Soft belly of a convex shape. It has some fat on it. There is a double fold at the bottom of the abdomen.
7. High wings. They cover their back completely and are covered with thick and soft feathers.
8. Developed shins. They are covered up to the middle with dorsal feathers.
9. Small head. It is characterized by the correct form. The head is on a strong neck.
10. Orange paws. The beak is the same color.
11. Dark blue eyes. They are characterized by their small size and round shape.

Rhine geese are characterized by a compact build that looks quite harmonious. It should be borne in mind that individuals with a high body, an overly long neck, a sharp tail and dark feathers on the wings are recognized as defective birds. These birds are culled during infancy.

Good and bad sides

Pros and consexcellent performance characteristics;high egg production parameters;precocity;excellent meat parameters of young birds;large and fatty liver.weak maternal instinct in females.

Home maintenance and care

For the maintenance of geese, it is recommended to properly equip the house. It should have wooden flooring and firmly knocked down boards. These birds do not require much space. However, there must be at least 0.5 cubic meters of space per goose.

Summer

In warm weather, birds are recommended to walk in the fresh air. This has a lot to do with their he alth. Ideally, geese should be kept outdoors all day and only returned to the house at night. If you do not walk geese, there is a risk of developing pathologies. At the same time, birds will get sick even with proper nutrition.

It is also important to provide birds with water procedures in summer.Geese are clean. It is important for them to systematically take baths and clean their feathers. For such procedures, a small reservoir is suitable. If it is not nearby, it is worth putting a bath on the pasture. Water is recommended to be changed every 3-4 days. In this case, the bath should be out of the reach of the sun.

In winter

Despite the resistance of birds to frost, they are highly susceptible to drafts. Therefore, before winter, it is worth removing all the cracks and holes in the floor and walls. To achieve additional insulation, it is recommended to lay a layer of straw on the floor.

It is important for the Rhine geese to ensure a temperature regime of +5 degrees, therefore, when the performance drops, it is recommended to additionally insulate the house.

What to feed the birds?

These birds are characterized by undemanding nutrition. Fresh or dried grass is used as the basis of the diet.It is important for young geese to make a menu quite carefully. For full development, they need vitamins and minerals. To do this, use juicy types of food, fresh grains, chopped cabbage or beets, corn cobs.

To supply birds with calcium, it is recommended to add crushed egg shells to the main food once a week. At the same time, the daily amount of food for a young bird reaches 1 kilogram. The basis of the diet is fresh or dry grass.

Gese older than 4 months do not need to be fed. They have enough fresh and dried grass in a ratio of 80:20. Adult birds can consume up to 2.5 kilograms of greens per day.

Geese breeding

Rhine geese are characterized by high egg productivity.At the same time, the ability of ganders to fertilize is considered rather low. In 1 year, this figure is 63-69%. In the second year, you can get up to 40%. At the same time, other parameters are considered quite good:

• hatchability is 65-70%;
• The safety of young stock is at the level of 94-96%.

Gese rarely show maternal instinct. This is typical for only 5% of females. Therefore, incubation is considered the main method of breeding goslings.

Diseases and prevention

Sometimes geese face unpleasant pathologies. Aspergillosis is considered a common disorder. It is provoked by mold fungi. When they enter the respiratory system, they begin to develop there, producing toxins.

Another common pathology of geese is colibacillosis. Its causative agent is intestinal coli. When the immune system is weakened, there is a risk of damage to the intestines, ovaries, oviduct.

To non-infectious pathologies that are dangerous for geese, include beriberi. At the same time, birds lag behind in development, lose their appetite and reduce productivity. To avoid dangerous pathologies, you should follow the following rules:

• disinfect the poultry house;
• strengthen the immunity of birds;
• vaccinate regularly.

Rhine geese are considered very unpretentious, because they are very popular with farmers. However, birds need the right conditions and a balanced diet to be productive.

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