Rhythm of Life: The Heritage of Lithuanian Geese
We cherish something special on our homestead – a living piece of Lithuanian history. These are the Chicken Goose . Although their name may sound unusual, these birds are our only national heritage breed, famous for their legendary endurance and snow-white feathers. They are a symbol of old village traditions, which we are resurrecting for a new life today here in the Jurbarkas region.
More than just an egg.
Goose eggs are not only three times larger than regular chicken eggs, but also have an extremely rich, creamy taste and a firm, porcelain shell. In ancient times, they were a sign of spring luxury, and today they remain a rare delicacy. In addition to their beauty, they are a true seasonal “superfood”, with a high concentration of valuable fats, which give baked goods and sauces a unique silky texture. Growing them requires great patience and respect for the natural rhythm of nature.
Incubator accuracy: Day 16
Sean is currently monitoring the new life cycle in the incubator every day. Precision is the key to success here: by maintaining a stable temperature of 37.2°C and a humidity of 65-66% , we mimic the natural warmth of a mother goose. Today is day 16, exactly halfway through (the goslings hatch in about 30 days). When the eggs are x-rayed, a clear network of blood vessels can be seen – a sign that little hearts are beating under the thick shell. This critical stage ensures that each of the 24 new lives currently maturing in the incubator has the best possible start.
The pulse of tradition
It’s a moment of total concentration. In the photo , Sean carefully “scans” an egg, using a focused light to peer through the thick shell. In that soft amber glow, the first signs of life are visible – a delicate network of blood vessels and the faint shadow of a developing heart. It’s a moment that provides a profound connection to the cycle of nature, and Sean’s expertise ensures that every embryo in our heritage flock develops exactly as nature intended.
A new world behind glass
These first moments of curiosity – a glimpse through the incubator window – are the true beginning of our heritage flock’s journey. After 28-30 days of patient waiting, the silence is finally broken by a loud chirp. Each hatched gosling is a vital link in preserving the Chicken Goose tradition. While we rejoice in these new members, we remain vigilant: in the quiet warmth of the farmstead , 24 more eggs are currently maturing , preparing for their 30-day journey into the world.
National heritage is born here
There is nothing like the first curious glances from the incubator. These little ones are the future of our flock. Although their yellow down has turned into the iconic snow-white feathers of the Hen Goose over time, their vitality is already visible. Bringing this national heritage breed back to the meadows of Jurbarkas is a slow and painstaking process, but seeing these healthy, alert faces makes every late humidity check in the incubator worthwhile.
Nurturing the future
The journey continues: from the incubator to the heated cage. Heated by lamps, these seven “pioneers” feel great on fresh straw bedding. This stage is dedicated to their strengthening. We ensure constant access to clean water and specialized feed, creating a safe environment that replaces the natural protection of the mother. Watching them stand firmly on their feet and begin to communicate with each other is the best reminder of why we chose this path of slow, responsible farming.
Living heritage in our hands
This responsibility has its own weight, which you can directly feel in your palms. Holding these goslings in your hands is the best reminder of why we do this at the Upės Pieva farm. These are not just birds – they are the future of a family that has survived in Lithuania for centuries. By raising them surrounded by such close, personal attention, we ensure that they grow up calm and healthy, ready to lead their own flocks into the bow in the future.
Natural multivitamins
While they are still too young to roam the shores of Mituva on their own , we bring them meadows. We supplement their diet with freshly cut milkweed and grass . These spring greens are true nature's "multivitamins", rich in vitamin A and minerals that help form a strong bone structure and ensure healthy growth. It is nice to see how they instinctively rush to the greens - a sign that nature is already dictating its rhythm.
Heritage Harmony
This is the goal of all our hard work: to see the new generation get acquainted with the open sky and older birds. In the photo, Ramunė watches the little ones as they take their first brave steps into the wide world. In the background, our adult Vištīne geese stand as a living example of what these goslings will soon become. This beautiful spring day in the vicinity of Jurbarkas, with wind turbines spinning on the horizon, represents the perfect combination of modern sustainability and old traditions.
Enlarging the flock: strengthening the heritage
An important milestone at Upės Pieva farm! At this moment, we introduced our eight younger, but surprisingly larger goslings to the first seven. Seeing them all together in the meadow, under the care of Ramunė , is a wonderful sight. These fifteen birds together are a significant step forward in our mission to preserve the Hen Goose . This social bond is essential for the harmony of the flock, ensuring that as they grow, they move and protect each other as one united group.
Where traditions find a home
This is the essence of our mission. After weeks of careful observation, precise temperature control, and hand-feeding, our fifteen young Hen Goose are exactly where they should be – under the wide Lithuanian sky. Seeing them resting peacefully among the milkweeds against the backdrop of our farmstead is the best reminder of the breed’s resilience. We are proud to be a part of their history and to ensure that the Hen Goose heritage continues to thrive in the meadows that have been their home for centuries.
Follow our journey Our farm is a place where every season tells a new story of tradition and nature. Whether it’s the blooming of lavender or the growth of our heritage flocks, there’s always something wonderful happening at Upės Pieva Farm. Follow us as we prepare for the next goose roll!
A brief overview of the farm: "Upės Pievos Ūkis"
| Feature |
Information |
| Place |
Jurbarkas, Lithuania (Mituva River bank) |
| Heritage breed |
Chicken geese (national agricultural heritage of Lithuania) |
| Incubation |
Temperature 37.2°C |
| Nutrition |
Free grazing, fresh milkweed and spring grass |
| Activity |
Agrotourism, education, slow travel, heritage preservation |
| Current regiment |
Breeding group of 15 young goslings and adult birds |
