I've also read articles on the internet that assert that geese can, theoretically, be raised on pasture alone. Perhaps, under ideal circumstances including a variety of healthy pasture greens and adult geese, this may be true and appropriate (for at least some geese)...but as an experienced goose keeper, I view the assertion skeptically.
For one, growing young geese have high nutritional demands due to their extremely fast growth rate in the first 4-5 months, at least. They also need adequate niacin in that diet, and without actually supplementing it by using nutritional yeast or a comparable high-niacin source, a goose keeper risks deficiency and its adverse health effects.
I also raise my geese on pasture during the seasons when grass is growing, but always offer supplemental feed to ensure that their dietary needs are being met. If you decide to continue raising geese in the future, I hope you'll consider the different nutritional needs of geese at various life stages (goslings versus non-laying adults, for example) and tailor their diets accordingly. There really is questionable information on the internet - even at reputable sites - sometimes provided by "experts" whose advice should be taken with a grain of salt.
As others have mentioned, it's possible toxins or other factors may be at work, too, so a vet visit would be best for your remaining gosling, if it's an option. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
For one, growing young geese have high nutritional demands due to their extremely fast growth rate in the first 4-5 months, at least. They also need adequate niacin in that diet, and without actually supplementing it by using nutritional yeast or a comparable high-niacin source, a goose keeper risks deficiency and its adverse health effects.
I also raise my geese on pasture during the seasons when grass is growing, but always offer supplemental feed to ensure that their dietary needs are being met. If you decide to continue raising geese in the future, I hope you'll consider the different nutritional needs of geese at various life stages (goslings versus non-laying adults, for example) and tailor their diets accordingly. There really is questionable information on the internet - even at reputable sites - sometimes provided by "experts" whose advice should be taken with a grain of salt.
As others have mentioned, it's possible toxins or other factors may be at work, too, so a vet visit would be best for your remaining gosling, if it's an option. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
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