How to Hatch Geese Eggs Without an Incubator

Using a broody chicken hen is one of the most common methods used to hatch goose eggs, according to Harry M. Lamon, author of the book "Ducks and Geese (Breed, Feed, Raise)." Goose egg gestation lasts for approximately 30 days. During this time the eggs must be cared for. When there is no mechanical incubator available, a broody hen can act as a surrogate incubator, tending to the goose eggs as her own. She warms them and protects them until they hatch.

Things You'll Need

  • Nesting box lined with straw or wood chips
  • Broody chicken
  • Fertilized goose eggs
  • Misting water bottle
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Instructions

    • 1

      Create a nesting box for the broody hen. Set it in a shed, hen house or other protected shelter. Place her food and water near the box, but at a distance where she'll have to get off the nest to eat and drink.

    • 2

      Place up to 6 goose eggs in the nest. Introduce the broody hen to the chicken coop or nesting area. She will find the nest and sit on it.

    • 3

      Change her food and water daily. She will get off the nest for nourishment, but will return to the eggs as soon as she's had her fill.

    • 4

      Manually turn the eggs twice each day. Goose eggs are too big for a chicken to move by herself. This is done to ensure the yolk does not get stuck on the shell, which would cause the gosling to die.

    • 5

      Spray the eggs with the misting bottle once a day. Goose eggs thrive in a semi-moist environment that broody hens do not provide.

    • 6

      Watch closely for the eggs to begin hatching around 29 days, though the eggs may not hatch for several days. Do not help the goslings crack their eggs. The process often takes several hours.