Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
Goose eggs are widely sought after for making pysanky, eggs decorated with tradi-
tional Ukrainian folk designs using the wax-resist dying method. After a week of
incubation, the egg's content is generally easier to remove than that of a fresh egg.
Once you've placed your goose eggs in the incubator, simply remove those that are
not fertile after a week, carefully drill tiny holes in both ends, and blow out the con-
tents (wash the egg and then simply place your lips on one end and blow).
I like to let the fertile ones hatch, and sell the infertile ones for egg decorating. Just
be sure to carefully scrub the infertile eggshell surfaces with soap before you remove
the contents. They are much easier to clean before blowing out the egg.
Muscovies have many desirable traits: mothering, incubating, foraging ability, car-
cass size, and ease of care. And they are quieter than ducks, which is an asset for anyone
who's been awakened in the middle of the night by water-fowl squabbles. They do have
a few drawbacks that provide a challenge for most folks. Muscovies like to fly and are
certainly harder to keep confined than ducks or geese. A final strike against these fowl
is as plain as the bills on their faces. Muscovies have a red warty tissue called caruncles
covering their faces, a trait some find repulsive. Older males look like they have melted
wax poured on their heads. Hens have caruncling as well, but it is not nearly as pro-
nounced as it is in the males.
Muscovy
White Muscovies
are raised for their desirable meat qualities and lighter-colored
feathers. Some of the more common color varieties are Black, Blue, Silver, Buff, and
Chocolate. More are being developed all of the time.
All Muscovies are rather large, with adult drakes typically weighing roughly 10
pounds (5 kg) and hens around 7 (3 kg). They are poor layers but wonderful setters.
It's always best to let them hatch their own eggs; usually the eggs do not hatch well
