How Long Does It Take For Goose Eggs To Hatch?
I saw a nest at work with quite a few goose eggs in it and am wondering how long the incubation period is? I’m very excited to see the babies.
How Long Does It Take For Goose Eggs To Hatch?
I saw a nest at work with quite a few goose eggs in it and am wondering how long the incubation period is? I’m very excited to see the babies.
The incubation period for Canada Geese in the wild is 25-28 days. Incubation actually starts only after the goose lays all of her eggs.
It is exciting to watch, but remember to watch from a distance, so the mother will not feel threatened and abandon the nest.
Also, do not assume that she has abandoned the nest if she is absent. She does not sit on the eggs 24/7 and may be absent for several hours at a time to forage for food, or whenever she sees a predator (including a human) too close to her nest - she will try to protect her nest by leading the predator away, and she will not return until she feels that the danger is gone.
Also, do not think you are helping the mother by leaving food for her near her nest - that can attract predators like other birds, raccoons, possum, etc., that can destroy the eggs or eat the babies. When a mother bird picks a nest site, she picks one that has an abundant food supply close enough to be convenient for her, but not close enough to endanger her nest.