Monitor for internal and external parasites

Inspect geese weekly for external parasites (lice, mites) by parting feathers around the vent, under wings, and along the neck. Watch for weight loss, lethargy, and diarrhea as signs of internal worms. Submit fecal samples to a vet for egg counts at least twice a year, and deworm only when confirmed necessary to avoid resistance.

Why It Works

Parasites drain nutrients, reduce egg production, and open the door to secondary infections. Routine monitoring catches infestations early before they weaken the flock. Rotational grazing on 2-4 week cycles breaks parasite life cycles in the soil, reducing reinfection rates significantly.

Tips

• Rotate pasture every 2-4 weeks to interrupt worm larvae development
• Keep housing bedding dry and replace it weekly to discourage mites
• Quarantine any bird showing symptoms before treating to prevent flock-wide spread