HOMESTEADucation
A podcast for those who are looking to slow down, return to their roots and feel more self-sufficient. Join Mandi Pickering of Wild Oak Farms, and Angela Ferraro-Fanning of Axe & Root Homestead in their new podcast HOMESTEADucation, created by homesteaders for homesteaders. This podcast will explore different facets of homesteading in detail including vegetable gardening, fruit orchard care, animal husbandry, and more. Follow us on Instagram: Angela @axeandroothomestead and Mandi @wildoakfarms
HOMESTEADucation
Keeping Geese on your Homestead
Raising geese on the homestead.
Goose facts:
Gander/Goose or Hen
Geese were domesticated over 3,000 years ago!
Breeds to consider
-A’s breed chart
-We both raise Sebastopol geese- a threatened breed
Reasons why:
-Geese just kind of have a zest of life!
Eggs
Guardians
FUN
How to start/where to look:
Local folks
Metzer
Meyer Hatchery
Mypetchicken
Getting one goose isn’t recommended- just like goats for example- they are flock animals.
Housing considerations:
Bedding
Water-pools vs natural water
Everyday needs discussed.
Nutrition!!
-This might be the most critical part of raising goslings/geese. For the first several weeks goslings need a feed that contains roughly 22% protein- chick starter is not suitable and never use medicated.
Niacin- a B vitamin that is crucial for healthy development of water fowl-specifically geese. Without it you will see stunted growth and leg issues. –Brewers yeast is an option
Geese LOVE grass and are actually excellent weeders.
Health-
Bumblefoot
Coccidia
Angel wing
GOOSE EGG CUSTARD RECIPE!
2 goose eggs
4 cups of whole milk or cream- either works great!
1/2 cup of honey
A dash of sea salt
1 tablespoon of vanilla extract or a dash ( I don't measure much)
Preheat your oven to 350F.
Scald the milk. In a saucepan heat the milk, stirring regularly, until it begins to simmer. Allow it to cool for a moment while you mix the rest of the ingredients
Mix together goose eggs, honey, salt, and vanilla in a large bowl.
SLOWLY mix in the hot milk, careful you don't want to cook the eggs. Stir until everything is combined.
Pour the mix into a prepared ramekins or pie pans. Think of this as a creme brûlée!
Bake for about 35-40 minutes or until the custard sets and is jiggly.
Enjoy hot or cold. Top with fruit or homemade whipped cream! YUM