This stage aims to take advantage of the natural dilation capacity of the esophagus of some wildfowl.[62] The third stage ("pre-fattening") lasts from 63 to 90 days of age (9–13 weeks). The birds are brought inside for gradually longer periods while introduced to a high starch diet. This is a feeding transition where the food is distributed by meals, first in restricted amount and time and thereafter greatly increased.