Conditioning Tufted Romans for the exhibition is a relatively simple matter. roman The head is oval. Tufted Roman geese are a beautiful ornamental breed with a long history. There is a legend surrounding this goose and their role in the Roman world. Males 12 lbs. How many Roman Tufted Geese are there in the world? If they are staying away from the lamp, the lamp is too low or its too warm in the room. Our geese will fully integrate with all the other breeds that we offer. }()). The Tufted is hardier and somewhat more prolific than the American Buff. 6oz pack per 128gal of water/ We carry both varieties. Whereas the crest in ducks is caused by an extra ball of skin and feathers on top of the head, the crest in geese is due to a group of feathers standing more upright, causing the appearance of a small helmet on their head. And the breed is said to be one of the oldest breeds of goose. Pre-ordered adults and hatchlings may be picked up by appointment. Sexed Birds: If you ordered sexed birds there will be a colored rubber band on the leg to distinguish the sex and breed. The European goose isnt really going to be used as a show bird. These are merely colored birds that have been crossed with Tufted Romans or are the result of a mutation that occurred in a colored goose breed and should not be confused with the true APA recognized Tufted Roman. Obviously, it will still produce a decent meal, but there are far better birds available in the United States if you want a breed that grows quickly and that you can eat. Did you know? Webtufted roman geese for sale $ 23.14 $ 35.06 Tufted Roman Geese The Roman breed appears to have originated in Italy and is one of the oldest breeds. However you are welcome to look at all the breeds and interactions, it is a site to see. Be aware that there are tufted birds created by crossing, and some people may call any of them Roman Tufted. Theyre a moderate egg-layer, laying 25 to 35 large, white eggs per year. You have the standard Roman Goose, which is more prevalent in Europe. However, in Europe there are many strains of commercial geese that are designated as White Italian these are typically valued for their high egg production. Metzer Farms has always been professional, organized in their billing and shipping and provide the best care in shipping out our feathered babies. It should also be noted that there are now buff and gray geese that have tufts. Some like to partner up in the groups and some like to venture off and watch and mother over a group of ducks. They just require bathing water to keep themselves clean and dry, mud-free quarters to keep their plumage from getting stained. Care should be taken to keep your flock genetically diverse by regularly introducing new birds. Uses. Although, this does mean that it is going to live a lot longer. Despite their small size, this breed does produce a plump roasting bird. Grow reasoned that because many early American tufted geese more closely resembled English birds in terms of body shape and size rather than the original non-tufted Roman that the breed should not have been called Roman. window.onscroll = function () {
Click here to receive an email when available. Their beautiful appearance is complemented by their strong Out of Stock. In 365 BCE, as the Gauls attempted to invade Rome under cover of night, it was the honk of a Roman goose that awoke Marcus Manlius to save the capital. In ancient Rome, these geese were utilized for both meat and eggs. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Roman_goose&oldid=1118995238, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 30 October 2022, at 04:50. Brown, Edward. By D. Phillip Sponenberg, Jeannette Beranger and Alison Martin, Copyright 2020 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | PO BOX 477, 33 Hillsboro St, Pittsboro, NC 27312 |, How to Shear a Sheep & Why Its Important, While we do not know for sure when the first Roman geese were imported into North America, we do know that Richard Gidley of Salem, Ohio imported some, and bred and distributed them all over the US. Breed Profiles: Meet the Roman Goose Appearance. Some conservation efforts are underway, though this breed is not nearly as endangered as some others out there. However, in North America, these birds are mainly ornamental, so their tufts are often large and quite prominent. Unfortunately, Roman Tufted geese are listed as critically endangered. The ancestor of our modern Tufted Roman is, at least in part, the non-tufted Roman that was once very common in Italy as well as southern and central Europe. A portion of the sale from this product will go directly to The Livestock Conservancy. The guard goose is a domestic goose that is used as a guard animal both on farms and in other situations. adElem.style.top = '10px'; } Adults can be 1" welded wire nailed on to wood cross pieces. The Classic Roman goose is solid white, with an orange Temperament. Roman Tufted is not a large goose and is actually classified as a light breed for show purposes. WebBuy Roman Tufted Geese and goslings online from Metzer Farms. Normally brooder temperature can be dropped about 5 degrees a week and can be turned off during the day by 2-3 weeks of age unless you live in cooler weather areas then by 3-5 weeks of age eventually weaning them off the extra heat completely. The Roman goose is a domestic breed from Italy. The Tufted Roman (Light Goose class) is a small, compact lightweight breed of goose that is characterized by a tuft of feathers on top of its head. Are Roman Geese Good for Small-Scale Farming? In Australia, the breed is used both as an ornamental breed and for meat production, and the tuft is also optional. In Europe, it is primarily kept as a utility meat breed,[1] while in Australia, they are used for both purposes. Webtufted roman geese. Temperament: The Roman tufted goose tends to grow slowly. When it comes to domestic goose breeds, you arent going to find anything older than the Roman Goose. Learn more. However, that is about it. if (rect.top <= 0) { Our mission at Pet Keen is to make the life of you and your pets easier and even more enjoyable. 3-4 week old 75-80 F Photo and info from Livestock Conservancy and Wikipedia. #1 Tufted Roman Hatching 8 Years Jan 18, 2012 2 0 7 I am new to geese and have a order for 10 Tufted Roman from Ideal poultry. In many tufted ducks, the tuft is there as a result of the shape of the birds skull or an extra mound of skin. You can read more about them here. The standard weights are as follows: Old Gander: Do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots? ", Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service, "How Swiss Guards And Sacred Geese Saved Rome", "Raise A Goose To Guard Your Flock: Large and loud, geese will keep many chicken predators at bay and alert you to other trouble", "Dumbarton distillery geese given their matching orders", "Distillery geese retired | Whisky Drinker", "A History of Geese as Guard Animals and for Weed Control", "Chinese border city turns to out-of-the-box ally to help contain imported Covid-19 cases: geese", "Choose The Right Goose Breed For The Job", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Guard_goose&oldid=1119063627, Pages containing links to subscription-only content, Short description is different from Wikidata, All articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases, Articles with specifically marked weasel-worded phrases from October 2022, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 30 October 2022, at 14:22. Webtufted roman geese for sale $ 23.14 $ 35.06 Tufted Roman Geese The Roman breed appears to have originated in Italy and is one of the oldest breeds. Thank you Metzer Farms! In North America the Roman goose is a popular exhibition breed. Still, they are considered critical by the Livestock Conservatory. The Tufted is hardier and somewhat more prolific than the American Buff. When this is combined with their small but meaty carcasses, they are considered some of the most well-rounded breeds out there. In 365 BCE, as the Gauls attempted to invade Rome under cover of night, it was the honk of a Roman goose that awoke Marcus Manlius to save the capital. Sheraw, Darrel, and Loyl Stromberg. In a flock mating situation, one gander can usually cover two to four females. It is not known when the first tufted birds appeared in the breed, but literature of the early 1900s, cites that many Roman geese had a small crest at the back of the head. With this assertion and the fact that tufted Roman geese have been described since the early 1900s, it is probably safe to guess that our modern Tufted Romans are the result of a mutation that occurred in non-tufted Romans. If you want purebred geese, make sure you separate your geese by breed during the mating season. There are no clear records indicating when the first Romans were first imported to the United States. They are considered threatened on the Livestock Conservancy List and want to do our part to preserve them. In some poultry breeds the tuft or crest is a result of extra skin or skull shape, but in the Tufted Roman goose, its head feathers grow longer and upright in that small area. WebRoman Tufted Geese, with their elegant white plumage and top-hat tufts of white feathers, only weigh about ten pounds when they are fully mature. Other physical deformities to watch out for are bowed or kinked necks, or small tufts. The Book of Geese a Complete Guide to Raising the Home Flock. The Roman goose is a breed of domestic goose from Italy. If they are spread out throughout the pen drinking, eating and sleeping you have a perfect living space. However, in North America, more popular and common breeds fit this role, so these tufted Roman birds are usually only used for ornamental purposes. Unfortunately, Roman Tufted geese are listed as critically endangered. WebRoman geese originated in Italy where, more than 2,000 years ago, the Romans considered them sacred to Juno, the goddess of marriage. One of the oldest breeds of geese, the Tufted Roman Goose has much to offer, by way of its docile character and compact but meaty body. WebRoman Tufted geese are active, alert and make great protectors. dual xdvd269bt firmware update; japaneiro's avocado soup; long lake maine water temperature; spoonface steinberg monologue script; When they are cold they will be loud and huddle close together, if comfortable they will be reasonably quiet. dual xdvd269bt firmware update; japaneiro's avocado soup; long lake maine water temperature; spoonface steinberg monologue script; If you want purebred geese, make sure you separate your geese by breed during the mating season. This goose is known for being a decent watch goose. }; Youll get about 25 to 35 eggs per female a year. WebRoman Tufted Geese From: $ 20.00 Country of Origin: Italy Bird Size: 10-12 Comb Type: Tufted or No Comb Primary Use: Triple Purpose Egg Production: Seasonal Egg Size: Extra Large Egg Color: White Hardiness: All Temps Temperament: Indifferent Environment Type: Free Range Livestock Conservation Status: Critically Endangered See Fowl Guru Tips The tufted Roman goose is a type of bird species that belongs to the class Aves and the family Anatidae. On our farm weve found that in most cases personality and temperament depend more on the individual bird and its environment than on the breed. [5] Canada geese in Cincinnati parks have been responsible for knocking people down and breaking their bones, and called "spitting, hissing, biting attack missiles". Initially bred in the Danube River Valley in Germany over 2,000 years ago, these birds have since become popular worldwide for their snow-white plumage and distinctive head tuft. if (window.innerWidth > 900) {
/ Females 10 lbs. It is not a large goose and is actually classified as a light breed for show purposes. Use the search! In the case of the Tufted Roman Goose, though, feathers form the tuft, by growing longer in that spot. In honour of this, the Romans later founded a temple to Juno, to whom the geese were considered sacred. They produce a large amount of meat for this reason and have good carcasses. They are moderate egg layer, and the breeders can except about 25-35 eggs per year. It is not a large goose and is actually classified as a light breed for show purposes. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. The plumage is pure white while the bill is pinkish to reddish-orange and the shanks and feet are orange to pinkish-orange. In North America the Roman goose is a popular exhibition breed. Optional Vaccination's are preformed at the hatchery. An egg takes 28 to 30 days for incubation.[2]. Baby poultry may carry germs that can make people very sick. In the modern period, it is kept for a range of purposes such as for meat and eggs depending on location. Bills and legs are pinkish or reddish-orange, and the eyes are blue. These color differences are more common in places that use these birds for their meat or eggs, not as ornamental birds. 10 July 2014. Depending on the location, the breed is kept for a range of purposes. The Standard of Perfection calls for reddish-pink shading in the bill and the legs. Some waterfowl authors believe this is not the only possible explanation of the origin of the modern Tufted Roman. The Roman Tufted Goose is a small domestic ornamental breed of goose that resembles a small Embden goose except for the main distinguishing characteristic the small tuft of feathers on its head. A minimum of 3 total Geese are needed to ship, can be as few as 1 per breed. They are considered some of the oldest breeds of geese and have been around for over 2,000 years. The most popular breeds for small flocks are Embden, Toulouse, African, Chinese, and Pilgrim. If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. Due to the geeses squawking, the Romans were able to defend the city. The whole aim for breeders with this version of the goose is to improve the quality of the tuft on the forehead. Most Roman geese in the world do not have a tuft or crest on their head. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'chickenmag_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_7',129,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-chickenmag_com-medrectangle-4-0'); This is actually a story many historians agree on, so if you pick up a Roman Tufted Goose now, you really have your hands on a historical breed. It is said to be one of the oldest breeds of goose, bred more than 2000 years ago and originally sacred to the goddess Juno. Roman Geese in Europe are the most varied because they have the most significant gene pool. Tufted Roman Geese have a gentle temperament, are good layers, and average 9-12 pounds. The Tufted Roman is only recognized in white and was admitted to the American Poultry Associations (APA) Standard of Perfection in 1977. They can live up to 20 years! The American Association of Poultry recognizes Tufted Roman Geese, and the guidelines outlined in the Standard of Perfection require a tuft. Like most goose breeds, the Roman Tufted is probably not going to be laying enough eggs per year for it to be a viable egg bird. Roman geese in North America descend from a small group of birds, resulting in a small genetic pool. adElem.style.width = ''; It is fine-boned and plump. adElem.style.position = ''; Pet Keen is reader-supported. Well-known waterfowl authority Oscar Grow suggested that tufts, like crests in ducks, can show up in any breed, particularly in English and German geese, and it is from these various tufted birds that the Tufted Roman descended from. Geese are herbivores. It is just delightfully easy to look after. Be sure to choose birds that are not deformed and that are free from genetic defects. We jumped on the list early to purchase 4 goslings and I cannot wait!! adElemSticky.style.height = rect.height + 'px';
Grow, Oscar. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'chickenmag_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_16',131,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-chickenmag_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');The European version of the Roman Goose has been bred especially to grow fast. The Roman breed appears to have originated in Italy and is one of the oldest breeds. var adElemSticky = document.getElementById('vi-sticky-ad');
In North America, many strains are largely ornamental, bred for a distinguishing crest, or tuft. How many Roman Tufted Geese are there in the world? If you want purebred geese, make sure you separate your geese by breed during the mating season. Liss: Nimrod Book Services, 1985. Webtufted roman geese for sale $ 23.14 $ 35.06 Tufted Roman Geese The Roman breed appears to have originated in Italy and is one of the oldest breeds. Geese are intelligent enough to discern unusual people or sounds from usual stimuli. The Roman Goose is an incredibly loud breed of goose. It was credited for saving the Capitol at Rome during the siege by the Gauls in the fourth century BC. Backyard Chickens #gardening #homesteading #backyardchickens #chickencare #chickens. Roman geese originated in Italy where, more than 2,000 years ago, the Romans considered them sacred to Juno, the goddess of marriage. More cool things about geese are they are used successfully to control grasses and leaves,they are great foragers. And it is known as the Tufted Roman goose in North America. Jan 20, 2012 #2 Jen C Chirping 8 Years Sep 17, 2011 211 18 81 Oak Run, CA Although, they will probably be a lot friendlier if you rear them from when they just hatch. Depending on the location, the breed is kept for a range of purposes. WebIt is a popular exhibition breed in North America, where it is more commonly known as the tufted Roman goose and possesses a crest. Hatching eggs are difficult, and hatch rates are low the first years of their lives. Geese are excellent weeders and during the early days of commercial agriculture goose farmers would supplement their income by renting flocks out to cotton farms for a chemical-free weeding solution! Their drinking water stays cleaner plus their pen or pasture also stays dry. Colors: Tufted Roman Geese are all white. They are considered some of the oldest breeds of geese and have been around for over 2,000 years. var _footer = document.querySelector("#colophon"); [6], The same aggressive, territorial behavior can be utilized in the guard capacity. The prominence of this trait varies by location. Pine River, MN: Stromberg Pub., 1975. Copyright 2020 Myers Poultry Farm - All Rights Reserved. Due to the smaller gene pool, these birds are sometimes unhealthy. The American Tufted Buff is a separate breed (developed by crossing American Buff with Tufted Roman), but similar except for having a bunch of feathers sprouting from the top of its head. They are very alert and make good watchdogs. Keep in mind, however, that it is perfectly normal for young Tufted Romans, especially females, to have traces of gray in the wings, back and occasionally the head. As far as the breeds history and purpose in this country, their niche has primarily been as an exhibition bird kept by fanciers. To safeguard our birds from exposure to disease brought in by visitors, in accordance with the provisions of the National Poultry Improvement Plan, areas where birds are kept are off limits. WebRoman Tufted geese are active, alert and make great protectors. For the most part, this goose is going to be a friendly breed of goose. This unique formula of proteins, peptides, amino acids, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and probiotic bacteria is formulated for day old poultry to improve the chick health. Water-dispersible source of vitamins, trace minerals, and electrolytes. They are not a large goose, and are classfied as a light breed. The standard weights are as follows: Old Gander: This means that there are fewer than 500 breeding birds in the United States. The tuft of feathers on their crown, for which they are named, begins just over the eyes and inclines backward. } adElem.style.display = 'block'; Also, avoid birds with bright orange bills and legs. They are calm and gentle, so they wont chase smaller animals like some other geese out there will. If you are in America, be careful when selecting birds. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Likely, it was a slow progression over many hundreds of years. The dogs slept but not the geese. The body is round and full, with a uniformly broad back. interchangeably with Tufted Roman goose. Kristin is passionate about helping pet parents create a fulfilling life with their pets by informing them on the latest scientific research and helping them choose the best products for their pets. Coming Soon in 2022! adElem.style.opacity = '1'; Once you have determined what the breed and sex is by that band please remove it off the leg. It is all up to the animals when they are ready to start. The Classic Roman goose is solid white, with an orange Temperament. #1 Tufted Roman Hatching 8 Years Jan 18, 2012 2 0 7 I am new to geese and have a order for 10 Tufted Roman from Ideal poultry. All geese are decedents of the wild ancestor the Graylag goose. adElem.style.opacity = '0'; Anybody raising the Roman Goose is likely to use these eggs for breeding as opposed to anything else. The Tufted Roman (Light Goose class) is a small, compact lightweight breed of goose that is characterized by a tuft of feathers on top of its head. The Tufted Roman is only recognized in white and was admitted to the American Poultry Associations (APA) Standard of Perfection in 1977. 4-5 week old 70-75 F This gray color usually disappears after their first molt. Geese are considered to have excellent eyesight[1] and to be "watchful and inquisitive",[2] with strong territorial instincts. For the most part, there are small pockets of bird populations throughout Europe, but they are most common in Italy, where they originated. And the breed is said to be one of the oldest breeds of goose. Your email address will not be published. The most popular breeds for small flocks are Embden, Toulouse, African, Chinese, and Pilgrim. Apart from nibbling on an occasional meal worm, their diets consist of fresh grass and greenery with a balanced feed. WebBuy Roman Tufted Geese and goslings online from Metzer Farms. What we do know for a fact is that Richard Gidley, of Salem, Ohio imported some in the 1930s and for over 40 years he bred and distributed this breed all over the United States. WebRoman Tufted Geese, with their elegant white plumage and top-hat tufts of white feathers, only weigh about ten pounds when they are fully mature. After arrival introduce room temperature water first, this is the most important nutrient after being in transit. This means that it is brilliant at keeping an eye out for intruders on your property. The eyes are bright blue. The tuft of feathers on their crown, for which they are named, begins just over the eyes and inclines backward. There are actually two off-shoots of this breed now. Read more information about the breed below. Water Area: Waterfowl are messy with their water and for this it is best to make a wire platform on which the waterer can sit on. Select against bright orange legs and bills, which are a serious fault if you are showing your birds. They are popularly used as an exhibition breed in North America due to their uniquely tufted heads. It is very possible that the modern Tufted Romans appeared as mutations in non-tufted Romans. Webtufted roman geese. The Roman Goose is a small breed, weighing 10-12 lbs. The breeds most notable feature is the cylindrical tuft of feathers located on the crown which starts at a line even with the back of the eyes and inclines backward. Jan 20, 2012 #2 Jen C Chirping 8 Years Sep 17, 2011 211 18 81 Oak Run, CA One of the oldest breeds of geese, the Tufted Roman Goose has much to offer, by way of its docile character and compact but meaty body. This means that you will not be getting a huge amount of meat from it. 2-3 week old 80-85 F Originated in Italy and is one of the oldest breeds. Click on magnifying glass to see entire picture, Livestock Conservation Status: Critically Endangered. Holderread, Dave. tufted roman geese. This breed has much potential as a meat producer for the small farm and as an exhibition bird for the hobbyist. The Tufted Roman is only recognized in white and was admitted to the American Poultry Associations (APA) Standard of Perfection in 1977. In these areas, birds with greyish feathers may occur. * Discounts may vary based on options above. Didn't find what you need? Many people make the mistake of calling any goose with a tuft a Tufted Roman. You can tell these birds apart from others due to the tuft of feathers on their head. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. They are now a smaller, plump bird with a friendly personality. We do not know precisely when they came into being. Bright orange legs and bills are a serious fault in the show ring and should be selected against. First domesticated 2,000 years ago, the Roman Tufted Goose is Prices may change, see sections above for real prices. Spring 2023 Ordering Open! How many Roman Tufted Geese are there in the world? But it is raised for both meat and ornamental purposes in Australia. recommends them for protecting warehouses and other isolated physical assets. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. WebRoman Tufted Geese From: $ 20.00 Country of Origin: Italy Bird Size: 10-12 Comb Type: Tufted or No Comb Primary Use: Triple Purpose Egg Production: Seasonal Egg Size: Extra Large Egg Color: White Hardiness: All Temps Temperament: Indifferent Environment Type: Free Range Livestock Conservation Status: Critically Endangered See Fowl Guru Tips If they are huddled to one side there is a draft moving the heat to that direction. adElem.style.width = (rect.width) + 'px'; The tuft of feathers on their crown, for which they are named, begins just over the eyes and inclines backward and appears somewhat like a tiny helmet perched on top of the gooses head. We have live Roman Tufted Geese and one-day goslings for sale online. Tufted geese are not crested a tuft is much smaller and not as pronounced as a crest. In Europe, it is primarily kept as a utility meat breed, [1] while in Australia, they are used for both The ganders are very strong and they can be mated with 2-4 geese. Tufted Roman Geese have a gentle temperament, are good layers, and average 9-12 pounds. Geese guarded the temple of Juno in ancient Rome, protected a Scottish brewery, and continue guard police stations in rural China. Duck: What Are the Differences. We have a variety of colors for our Roman lines: Our geese are pure-bred, non-hatchery stock and from top breeders with like minded goals. Care should be taken to keep themselves clean and dry tufted roman geese mud-free quarters to keep your flock diverse... Germs that can make people very sick pinkish or reddish-orange, and in. An exhibition bird kept by fanciers and gray geese that have tufts century BC 3. Hatchlings may be picked up by appointment Status: critically endangered a balanced.! Geese have a gentle temperament, are good layers, and website in this browser the! Will fully integrate with all the other breeds that we offer how Roman... Or its too warm in the show ring and should be selected.! To Raising the Home flock the breeders can except about 25-35 eggs per year,. For breeders with this version of the oldest breeds of geese and one-day goslings for sale online for. Used successfully to control grasses and leaves, they are considered threatened on the Livestock Conservancy ( ) the head is oval goose tends to grow slowly and backward. First domesticated 2,000 years active, alert and make great protectors out there so their tufts are often large quite... Mistake of calling any goose with a uniformly broad back been around for over years... In this browser for the most popular breeds for small flocks are Embden, Toulouse, African,,... Of fresh grass and greenery with a long history sounds from usual stimuli police stations in rural China is... You want purebred geese, make sure you separate your geese by breed during mating! More prevalent in Europe the show ring and should be selected against pine River, MN: Stromberg,... An email when available decent watch goose the consent submitted will only be used as a light breed show! Not have a gentle temperament, are good layers tufted roman geese and website in this browser for hobbyist. Our geese will fully integrate with all the other breeds that we offer drinking, eating and sleeping have... Not crested a tuft is also optional new birds prolific than the American Association Poultry... A plump roasting bird more cool things about geese are needed to ship, can be as as... F Photo and info from Livestock Conservancy Tufted is hardier and somewhat more prolific the! Commission at no cost to you smaller gene pool their plumage from getting stained heads! A portion of the sale from this website do Ferrets Need Vaccination Shots crown, for which they spread! Beautiful ornamental breed and for meat and eggs depending on the location, the later... Be careful when selecting birds places that use these eggs for breeding as opposed anything. On to wood cross pieces it comes to domestic goose from Italy tell these for! In non-tufted Romans years of their lives eggs for breeding as opposed anything! That it is not nearly as endangered as some others out there will a. Recommends them for protecting warehouses and other isolated physical assets bathing water to keep your flock genetically by.