A single goose typically lays between 2 and 12 eggs per clutch, with an average of about 5 eggs
. After hatching, the number of goslings a pair raises can vary due to factors like survival rates and adoption by other geese. Goslings often form "gang broods," where multiple families combine their young, resulting in groups of 20 to 100 goslings being cared for by a few adults
. Adoption of goslings by other pairs is common, especially in the first two weeks after hatching, and can increase the number of goslings associated with a single pair beyond the number originally hatched
. In some cases, broods with as many as 15 goslings have been observed, which may be due to one pair raising eggs collected from others or through adoption
. In summary:
- Average clutch size: 5 eggs (range 2–12)
- Gosling survival to fledging varies but is often around 60-80%
- Goslings may be adopted by other geese, increasing brood size
- Gang broods can have 20 to 100 goslings cared for by several adults
- Individual pairs sometimes raise broods with up to 15 goslings due to adoption or egg collection
Thus, while a goose lays up to about a dozen eggs, the number of goslings it may have under its care can be significantly higher due to communal rearing and adoption behaviors.
