Should I Raise Ducks or Geese?

   In addition to raising chickens for eggs, both ducks and geese can be great alternatives or to just add to your flock as well. Both of these types of birds have specific differences as well as definite benefits in addition to the eggs, such as their ability to get rid of garden pests, weeds and even sound the alarm when unwanted visitors arrive! Goose eggs can actually be a bit more valuable too. Their differences in personailities are worth considering as well. So which one is right for your flock?
   Mother Earth News takes a look at ducks and geese:

  "I’ve kept poultry for most of my life and waterfowl have always been an important inclusion.  Our farm currently has both ducks and geese, and both species are serving the farm in their own unique ways with their own special attributes.

Eggs

Ducks are year round layers and are much more regular producers than chickens.  Their large eggs are prized for high nutritional content and are the equivalent to about two chicken eggs.  Creamy, rich, and delicious, duck eggs are great for baking.  A female duck will lay consistently throughout the winter months when hens typically slow production, and they average around 180 eggs in a year.

Goose eggs are more unusual than duck eggs, and unlike ducks geese are very much seasonal layers.  They typically lay from May through September, but if you have a goose go broody during this time egg production will sometimes stop early.  Their eggs are huge, equal to three chicken eggs, and like the eggs from ducks they have higher nutritional value than chicken eggs and create a much fluffier mix when baking.  Because goose eggs are so unique, if you have a good supply of them you can often sell a single egg for $2-$5.

Read the entire article: Ducks or Geese as Farm Poultry

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