Provide access to grit

Offer insoluble grit (granite or flint, 3-5mm size for adults) free-choice in a dedicated container near the feeding area. Geese on pasture with natural access to sand and small stones may self-supply, but confined birds or those eating whole grains need a reliable grit source year-round.

Why It Works

Geese lack teeth and rely on their muscular gizzard to grind food. Grit -- small, hard stones swallowed deliberately -- acts as the grinding medium. Without it, whole grains and fibrous forage pass through undigested, leading to malnutrition, crop impaction, and poor growth.

Tips

• Use appropriately sized grit: chick-size (1-2mm) for goslings, adult-size (3-5mm) for mature geese
• Do not substitute oyster shell for grit -- oyster shell dissolves and provides calcium but does not grind food
• Refill the grit container weekly and place it under cover to keep it dry