The goslings hatch with a downy coat of feathers formed in embryonic development. They moult the natal plumage into juvenile feathers between 3-5 weeks of age and than moult that juvenile plumage into adult plumage between 8-11 weeks of age. Feather weight of an adult goose makes up about 6.2% of its total body weight.

How long does it take for goslings to get feathers?

When Goslings Grow Up

As they grow, their downy fuzz will become feathers (around 6-7 weeks) and they will become more “waterproof”.

At what age do geese get feathers?

They grow intensively between 12-16 weeks of age then grow at a slower rate in the subsequent one or two weeks. Finally, the new feathers attain maturity in all body parts by 18 weeks of age (Kozák et al., 1992b). Breeding geese start to moult after the egg-laying period.