What incubator for hatching goose eggs?

[Lorna1268]

Hello

Can someone tell me from their experience what type of incubator would be best for hatching goose eggs especially for a beginner that would like to hatch Pilgrim goslings.
I have looked on ebay, as I am on a budget and I saw a Novital 16 one on there which was used.
There was also a Maino (new) one I think is the make.

Thanks
Best Wishes
Lorna.

 

[Davidd]

Hi lorna, goose eggs can be very hard to hatch in incubators- you are better off using muskovies or broody hens- if you must use an incubator, most will incubate the eggs- the problems normally occur at the pipping/hatching stage- lots of DIS ( dead in shell) either pipped or not. They can take up to three days from pipping to hatch- unlike chickens which normally take up to 24 hours. So don't try to help them out - you need to keep the humidity really high ONCE pipped- not before, i would say around 80% if you can get it that high from pipping- keep the lid on and don't interfere 07
regards, David

 

[Lorna1268]

Hi David
Thanks for your reply. I had heard someone else say that natural incubation was best. Probably be best getting a broody hen or two or maybe just purchase some young goslings. Using the incubator sounds very nerve wracking!

I live in Northern Ireland, would you know anyone who breeds pilgrim geese here or where I could source goslings.

Best Wishes
Lorna