Description and characteristics of the Ural gray and white geese, breed breeding
The Ural gray geese are considered a comparative young breed, which is the result of the work of domestic scientists. It took about 7 years of trials and experiments to breed these birds. Representatives of this breed are characterized by high parameters of fertility and endurance. In addition, these geese are considered very unpretentious. Birds are especially in demand in the Urals and Siberia.
Main characteristics and description
These birds were bred on the basis of wild geese nesting in the Ural region - in the vicinity of the city of Shadrinsk. There are 2 main types of such birds - white and gray.
White variety
This breed is characterized by the following features:
- compact head;
- short legs;
- smooth beak without a hump;
- middle body;
- short tail with a pointed tip;
- a small fold on the abdomen - characteristic of all geese;
- short neck - considered the main characteristic feature and is associated with the presence of 16 vertebrae in the composition;
- tough, high-density down and branched feathers to help keep you warm.
A distinctive feature of birds is the lack of need for water, which is an advantage when compared with other breeds of waterfowl.
Gray variety
These birds are distinguished by their excellent parameters, which made them very popular among all poultry breeders. Gray geese are characterized by the following features:
- large body;
- no need for additional care;
- rapid increase in body weight;
- high parameters of productivity.
The Ural gray geese were obtained from the Toulouse and Romny birds. During the work, a long and careful selection was carried out. In this case, the individuals were selected according to their individual parameters, productivity, weight gain and maintaining the high quality of the down. The characteristic features of this species of birds include the following:
- well-fed body;
- large rounded chest;
- short neck;
- wide back;
- short and strong legs;
- gray feathers, white breast and belly.
Gray geese are characterized by a rapid increase in body weight in the first months. Thanks to this, young birds reach a weight of 5 kilograms already at 5 months. Adult males weigh 7 kilograms, while females weigh 6-6.5. In addition, females produce 25-30 eggs throughout the year. The birds are considered to be excellent parents for goslings.
What are their pros and cons
Rules for keeping and caring for the Ural geese
Ural gray geese are undemanding to keeping conditions. They are characterized by a thick layer of fat and warm plumage. This prevents the birds from freezing even in the most severe frosts. Therefore, it is permissible to make a poultry house from available materials. To increase the parameters of egg production, it is important to provide room heating. Lighting is used to increase the duration of daylight hours.
Geese should not be constantly in a confined space. It is important to take the birds for a walk once a day. For this, it is recommended to make a corral in the fresh air. It is definitely worth providing a canopy on the walking area. It provides shelter from rain and snow.
How to properly formulate a diet
Ural geese are undemanding to food. In summer, birds can independently obtain their own food - roots and grass. As a supplement to the winter diet, it is permissible to use ready-made compound feed or make it yourself. In any case, the diet should be varied. Therefore, the following components should be mixed with dry cereal mixtures based on barley, corn and wheat:
- fresh cottage cheese;
- minerals;
- boiled vegetables - potatoes, beets, carrots are best used.
The number of meals should be calculated taking into account the frequency of walking. If the geese walk 2 times a day, they should be fed twice. With a constant stay in the aviary, you will need 3-4 meals.
Bird breeding rules
Ural geese are characterized by a pronounced maternal instinct. Therefore, the need to use an incubator arises only on large farms. In small farms, additional devices are not required. In this case, it is much easier to put a few high-quality eggs under the goose and be patient.
At the same time, it is enough for the farmer to provide the female with adequate nutrition and access to water.
Diseases and their causes
Despite strong immunity, the Ural geese sometimes encounter various pathologies. The main cause of illness is considered a violation of the rules of care. The development of pathologies is associated with such factors:
- Raising geese in unsanitary conditions. The risk of diseases increases with insufficient cleaning of the room, rare change of water in drinking bowls or bathing containers.
- Uncomfortable conditions. With an improperly equipped aviary, birds may encounter increased dampness, drafts or low temperatures.
- Poor nutrition. Geese can get sick with a monotonous and unbalanced diet. Also, the risk of developing pathologies increases if the birds drink stale water.
All avian diseases are divided into 2 categories - infectious and non-infectious. The first group includes viral, bacterial, fungal infections. Geese often experience aspergillosis. Symptoms of this pathology include general weakness, impaired appetite, and severe thirst.
Usually, poor quality feed and water, contact with new birds that have not passed quarantine are considered the reasons for infection with aspergillosis.To avoid problems, it is important to keep the house clean, change feed, water and bedding in a timely manner, and disinfect the room with a solution of copper sulfate.
Violations of conditions of detention and care are considered to be the causes of non-communicable pathologies. Improper nutrition also leads to them. To avoid such problems, vitamins and minerals should be introduced into the diet. Such funds should be selected by a veterinarian. These additives help to strengthen the immune system, maintain a normal state of health, and normalize the body's tone. It is recommended to give the birds a lot of vegetables and herbs during the season.
For the prevention of pathologies, chicks should be given a solution of potassium permanganate with a concentration of 0.1%, mixing it with glucose. Ural gray geese are distinguished by their high productivity and strong immunity. Under the right conditions and a balanced diet, birds practically do not get sick and gain weight well.
