Goslings grow at a phenomenal rate and require balanced nutrition to support this rapid growth and development.

What to feed goslings

Smallholder Range Goose/Duck Starter Crumbs is suitable for goslings from hatching up to 3 weeks of age. The high protein level of 18.5% helps to support their rapid growth and development at this stage but at 3 weeks they can be gradually changed on to Smallholder Range Goose/Duck Grower/Finisher Pellets which has a reduced protein level of 15% to sustain a natural, steady growth rate up to adulthood.

Niacin requirements

Just like ducklings, goslings require more of the B vitamin niacin in their diets than poultry chicks to support their rapid development and bone growth. Smallholder Range Goose/Duck Starter Crumbs and Grower/Finisher Pellets are balanced with correct levels of niacin and all the other essential vitamins and minerals goslings need, so there is no need to add any additional supplements. In an emergency Smallholder Range Baby Chick Crumbs and Poultry Grower Pellets are safe to feed to goslings, but they should be changed on to the specific Goose/Duck feeds as soon as possible.

Essential grazing

As well as a balanced Starter Crumb and then Grower pellet, goslings require access to grass, not only to meet their nutritional needs but also to satisfy their natural grazing instincts. Very young goslings can be provided with sections of fresh turf every day whilst they are housed, but as soon as they are big enough and providing weather conditions are not too adverse, they should be let outside into a secure pen to graze freely and brought inside again at night. Young geese will consume large quantities of grass but should still be provided with Smallholder Range Goose/Duck Grower/Finisher Pellets to ensure they receive all the nutrition they need to grow and develop into healthy adults.

Water and grit

A constant supply of clean, fresh drinking water is vital for all birds. This should be situated near to the feeder so that goslings can eat and drink in quick succession, but far enough away so the water doesn’t get contaminated with food. Easy access for drinking is vital but goslings should not be able to get into this water as it will quickly become dirty and unpalatable. A separate water source for swimming should be made available once the goslings are suitably feathered.

When goslings have access to grazing they will naturally ingest grit from the soil that will act as a digestive aid by helping to break down food in the gizzard. Offering an additional supply of grit alongside their feed is also beneficial.