Agriculture Reference
In-Depth Information
not, loosely grab a wing. You will need to work quickly as the gander may try to bite you
when you attempt this maneuver. When he tries to back off, let go of the wing. He may try to
intimidate you a few times, but it is important for you to confront the gander each time he
tries to be the dominant figure. If this behavior continues unchecked, it will turn into a major
problem every time you come around the flock.
If you do have an aggressive gander, you can try to get the upper hand by grabbing him and
pinning him to the ground. His wings will flap (and they can pack a punch), and he may bite
you. He definitely will squawk but keep him down until he submits by resting. Then let him
go and repeat as necessary until he leaves you alone. Wearing heavy leather gloves, safety
glasses, and a jacket will help protect you from his wings and bill.
Breeding Ducks and Geese
Ducks and geese intended for breeding should have a wing or leg band applied so you can
identify them when you breed them. Banding should be done soon after hatching, and each
band used on one animal should have identical numbers. Records should be kept regarding
the parents of each duck, how many eggs each duck or goose lays, if she is broody and for
how long, and how many eggs are hatched for each female. Poorly performing ducks and
geese can be identified by their band and culled.
The tail features of ducks descended from Mallards, which is about every bird, will help you
determine the sex. Drakes will have a few curled feather tips at the end of their tails while fe-
males' tails will lie flat. Geese are not so easily identified as adults. They should be purchased
as sexed and banded as soon as possible so you can tell gander from goose. For those breeds
that cannot be sexed on physical characteristics (for example, Pilgrims by feather color, Em-
den by down color, and Chinese by beak knob), vent sexing will need to be done. This is per-
formed when the ducklings or goslings are a couple of days old.
The bird is held with the vent facing the person performing the sexing. The right thumb and
first finger are placed on either side of the vent and pressed firmly over the vent. The vent is
then parted slowly to expose the inner lining. The left thumb is used to gently pull back on the
skin surrounding the vent. This will expose a pink colored cloaca and the penis (a small pro-
tuberance) in the male will be visible. The females have a genital eminence, or small fold of
tissue. Adults are sexed in a similar manner but will struggle when caught.
