The content of poultry is becoming increasingly popular among peasant farms. Even many urban residents for the summer season acquire chicks and grow them in their summer cottages. Those who tried to keep geese forever become their fans. A large unpretentious bird feels great at the homestead. In terms of productivity and profitability of meat production, this bird has no competitors in our climate.
Battle giants
The history of various breeds of geese in Russia dates back more than one century. To select the best manufacturers, special goose fights were even held.
The spectacle is exciting and differs from other animal fights in the absence of blood, it only benefits the bird. Unfortunately, the events of the 20th century interrupted the tradition. The collapse of the civil war, the losses during the Great Patriotic War led to the extinction of many famous breeds.
In the 50s, the restoration of the national economy began. Specialists of the Gorky region, now Nizhny Novgorod, made a significant contribution to poultry farming. By crossing Chinese with local breeds, a good result was obtained. Subsequently, the Solnechnogorsk ones were added, which allowed obtaining stable offspring of geese. Gorky geese were certified as a new breed of meat direction.
Biological description
The breed is characterized by large gander, reaching a weight of 7-8 kg, and females 6-7 kg. The egg production is average for this bird - 45-50 pcs. The average egg weighs 150-160 g.
Dense plumage, with a lot of high-quality fluff characteristic of any goose. The Gorky Goose is no exception. In this case, color variations are allowed:
- white, without spots;
- gray-piebald - with a dark spot on the back and half gray neck; tail feathers should be white, similar shin color;
- gray - there will be a white spot on the head, the neck is usually lighter than the main color.
The head of the bird is medium, has a characteristic small bump. There must be a mandible wallet, bright orange metatarsals and a beak. Black-billed Gorky geese are found.
The body is slightly elongated, has a wide chest. The wings are firmly pressed. Tibia widely set apart.
In describing the Gorky breed of geese, one should note a fighting disposition. Currently, they are often, along with Tula, used to conduct battles.
Content Tips
The bird has a strong immunity, excellent for yard maintenance in northern climates. Contrary to popular belief, does not need a lot of water. Perfectly dispensed with a pond. The main thing is to have a shower and moisten your wings. Almost always gives excellent results in terms of qualitative and quantitative indicators of meat growth. In addition, many of the remarkable properties of goose fat are well known. The Gorky goose also gives a pinch of more than 50 grams of fluff. Before slaughter, this can be done twice - at 10 and 22 weeks.
Despite his fighting disposition, he gets along well with all the inhabitants of the compound. However, he will be a good watchman. Few rodents want to meet this bird. In a pack, they are able to repel the attack of even a large beast.
Feeding a bird is easy. Almost any grain feed is suitable. In the summer, most of the food the bird receives due to grazing.
Poultry breeding
Geese have a good maternal instinct, they are good hens. Even without using an incubator, you can get quality goose offspring. Gorky geese, however, have recently been increasingly bred using an incubator.
A goose egg for breeding can be taken from 7-8 months. Average quality indicators during incubation:
- fertilized - 90%;
- chicks are hatched - 80%;
- the safety of young animals is 95%.
By the end of the second month, the bird often reaches 4 kilogram weight, this figure is already marketable.
Due to the quality characteristics and ease of maintenance, the Gorky goose can be safely recommended for keeping on a home yard.