- 1). Guess or measure the size of the eggs found in the nest. If the eggs are approximately three inches by two inches and more rounded on each end, they are peahen eggs. If the eggs are approximately four to five inches or more by three inches or more and oblong shaped, they are goose eggs. While geese lay more variety in sizing than peahens, the larger egg is always a goose egg. Goose eggs will also have a noticeably thicker shell, more than three times stronger than a chicken egg. Peafowl eggs will have thinner shells and feel lighter in your hand.
- 2). Inspect the color of the eggs. Peafowl eggs are usually speckled, spotted or inconsistent in coloring. They are not usually white, but tan or off-white with varying degrees of color. Goose eggs are an even pure off-white or white color. If the nest has been sat on, it is possible that goose droppings have changed the coloring on the eggs, but the base coloring should still remain consistent
- 3). Take note of the number of eggs within the nest. If the nest is complete, a clutch of peahen eggs usually numbers from 7 to 10. Geese lay two to eight eggs depending on conditions and age of the bird. Older birds tend to lay fewer eggs. If the nest is large, that indicates it may be more likely a peafowl nest.
- 4). Notice the location and composure of the nest. Goose nests will have much down feathering scattered within the sticks, leaves and grasses used to build the nest. The nest will look very soft and rounded. Some geese lay in "community nests." If a nest looks very large (larger than 24 inches across) with two groupings of eggs within it, it is probably a goose community nest. Geese tend to lay their eggs near a body of water. Peahens lay in nests of underbrush. As they do not have down feathers, conventional feathers may be gathered within the greenery that makes up their nests. They like nests hidden from sight under bushes or low-hanging trees.
- 5). Research the temperature of the area lately. If the eggs were found laid recently in the heat of the summer such as June or July in the midwest United States, it is probably a peahen nest. Geese tend to lay earlier in the year towards March or April in the midwest. Geese tend to lose fertility during the hotter months of the year, whereas peafowl fertility peaks during that time. Peafowl cannot naturally lay during the cooler spring months. Geese may lay during the heat of the summer, but the eggs will not be fertile.
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