Goose egg addling

Goose egg addlingis awildlife managementmethod ofpopulation controlforCanada geeseand otherbirdspecies. The process of addling involves temporarily removing fertilizedeggsfrom thenest,testing forembryo development,killing the embryo, and placing the egg back in the nest. Returning the egg to the nest misleads the goose into believing the egg is still developing. Otherwise, the goose would begin laying again.

ACanada gooseguarding its eggs in anApplebee'sparking lotinVirginia.

In order to work effectively, addling must be conducted in a manner that does not arouse the suspicion of the goose, and must not change the odor, appearance or texture of the egg. Effective addling techniques are disseminated by theHumane Society of the United Statesand Internet Center for Wildlife Damage Management. Perhaps the easiest way to addle is to coat the egg with corn oil, thereby depriving the embryo of oxygen and killing it.

Canada geese are covered in the United States by theMigratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918.According to the Humane Society of the United States, theU.S. Fish and Wildlife Serviceno longer requires special permits to addle eggs in the contiguous United States, but one must register with the Service first (Resident Canada Goose Nest and Egg Registration Site).

Major implementation

Goose egg addling was predominantly used in the aftermath of the plane crash ofUS Airways Flight 1549on January 15, 2009. Following an investigation by officials, which determined the plane crash was caused by abird strikeofCanada geese,an estimated 1,739 goose eggs were coated with oil in an effort to prevent any similar incidents from occurring.

External links

• Internet Center for Wildlife Damage ManagementArchived2013-06-07 at theWayback Machine
• Missouri Department of Conservation: Canada Goose ControlArchived2013-10-19 at theWayback Machine
• Resident Canada Goose Nest and Egg Registration Site

• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service - Permit Information Page