Domestic Geese
Below is a list of geese that are recognised for showing in Ireland
African
History;
the African Goose appears physically a cross between the Toulouse Goose , and the Brown Chinese Goose , with some of the size and dewlap of the Toulouse Goose , and some of the carriage and 'knob' of the Chinese Goose . Also Known as L'oie de Guine'e in France
The African Goose is said by some breeders to be a distinct breed imported from Africa, but the evidence a large genetic part of the Chinese is undisputable They were known as a pure breed in the USA from the 1850's and although often crossed with the Toulouse as a commercial meat cross are a definte species descended from the Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) rasther than the greylag (Anser anser).
Tips for improving your flock.
Select the fastest growing goslings for future breeding.
Always look for massive features (even in their first year they should have large, coarse heads and thick necks) and carriage 30 to 40 degrees.
Head should be large and broad between the eyes
Knob should be as wide as the head
Older females especially when laying will often have low-hung paunches and show some indication of a keel. But all males and young females should be keel-less and only a moderately full abdomen. Selecting for this should maintain the breed's fame as a lean meat bird.
Africans with tails held in line with the back or lower often indicate physical weakness and infertility.
Avoid young geese of too refined type, otherwise the flock will eventually revert to the Chinese breed type (small and slender rather than massive and meaty).
Avoid young geese that have already developed a pronounced dewlap. Africans do not grow the dewlap as fast as Toulouse and it will not fully develop until aged about three years.
Country Of Origin;. . . China
Carriage;Reasonably upright 35 to 40 degrees above the horizontal rather than the Chinese geese which stand much more upright. Height 90 cm av
Purpose;... ...Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour......................white ....
Egg Numbers .............10 / 20. In America, they appear to be more productive with 20 - 40 eggs in a season
Breed Defects. . . . . .Lack of dewlap;lack of knob; white patches amongst coloured plumage
Info A very gentle breed that is much quieter than its skinny cousin. Available in white; brown (grey) and buff.
Breed Hints.... Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; 11 to 28 pounds
Breed Tip Some individuals don't get the dewlap until over 18 months old, whilst others might develop one at 6 months. The dewlap runs down from the bill into the neck. The knob should be oriented slightly forward. Paunch should not touch the ground.'
Flying . . .normally too heavy but has been known . . very rarely
the African Goose appears physically a cross between the Toulouse Goose , and the Brown Chinese Goose , with some of the size and dewlap of the Toulouse Goose , and some of the carriage and 'knob' of the Chinese Goose . Also Known as L'oie de Guine'e in France
The African Goose is said by some breeders to be a distinct breed imported from Africa, but the evidence a large genetic part of the Chinese is undisputable They were known as a pure breed in the USA from the 1850's and although often crossed with the Toulouse as a commercial meat cross are a definte species descended from the Swan goose (Anser cygnoides) rasther than the greylag (Anser anser).
Tips for improving your flock.
Select the fastest growing goslings for future breeding.
Always look for massive features (even in their first year they should have large, coarse heads and thick necks) and carriage 30 to 40 degrees.
Head should be large and broad between the eyes
Knob should be as wide as the head
Older females especially when laying will often have low-hung paunches and show some indication of a keel. But all males and young females should be keel-less and only a moderately full abdomen. Selecting for this should maintain the breed's fame as a lean meat bird.
Africans with tails held in line with the back or lower often indicate physical weakness and infertility.
Avoid young geese of too refined type, otherwise the flock will eventually revert to the Chinese breed type (small and slender rather than massive and meaty).
Avoid young geese that have already developed a pronounced dewlap. Africans do not grow the dewlap as fast as Toulouse and it will not fully develop until aged about three years.
Country Of Origin;. . . China
Carriage;Reasonably upright 35 to 40 degrees above the horizontal rather than the Chinese geese which stand much more upright. Height 90 cm av
Purpose;... ...Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour......................white ....
Egg Numbers .............10 / 20. In America, they appear to be more productive with 20 - 40 eggs in a season
Breed Defects. . . . . .Lack of dewlap;lack of knob; white patches amongst coloured plumage
Info A very gentle breed that is much quieter than its skinny cousin. Available in white; brown (grey) and buff.
Breed Hints.... Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; 11 to 28 pounds
Breed Tip Some individuals don't get the dewlap until over 18 months old, whilst others might develop one at 6 months. The dewlap runs down from the bill into the neck. The knob should be oriented slightly forward. Paunch should not touch the ground.'
Flying . . .normally too heavy but has been known . . very rarely
American Buff
History;
.Appearance: A heavy smooth breasted and double lobed breed
Upright and alert with deep hazel eye ; orange bill and legs preferably with a lighter orange rather than pink bean
In the US noted as an American descendant of the wild Greylag goose, which is found in Europe and Northern Asia. As a dual-purpose goose, it produces both eggs and meat. The meat is a rich, dark meat. The buffgoose is an apricot-fawn color with a whitish abdomen, brown eyes and orange feet and bill. The breed is the largest of the medium weight class of geese( in the USA) with mature ganders (male) weighing about 18 pounds and mature geese weighing about 16 pounds.
The American Buff is calm and docile, a good choice for a home flock. They are good, attentive parents. Country Of Origin;........ America
Carriage; . . Upright and alert
Purpose;..........Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour .....................white
Egg Numbers............10 / 20 each female per year
Breed Defects. . . . . White feathers in coloured plumage; EXCEPT white around the bill/ a sign of age as in a Brecon Goose; Uneven Lobes
Incubation:. . . . . . . 28 - 34 days
Breed Hints.... . . .Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; Gander, 6 kg ( 18 pounds) Goose, 5.5 kg (16 pounds )
Breed Tip . . . .Needs: Grazing; Deeper water. as a swimmer and splasher !
Flying . . . .rarely flies a good all rounder;\
.Appearance: A heavy smooth breasted and double lobed breed
Upright and alert with deep hazel eye ; orange bill and legs preferably with a lighter orange rather than pink bean
In the US noted as an American descendant of the wild Greylag goose, which is found in Europe and Northern Asia. As a dual-purpose goose, it produces both eggs and meat. The meat is a rich, dark meat. The buffgoose is an apricot-fawn color with a whitish abdomen, brown eyes and orange feet and bill. The breed is the largest of the medium weight class of geese( in the USA) with mature ganders (male) weighing about 18 pounds and mature geese weighing about 16 pounds.
The American Buff is calm and docile, a good choice for a home flock. They are good, attentive parents. Country Of Origin;........ America
Carriage; . . Upright and alert
Purpose;..........Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour .....................white
Egg Numbers............10 / 20 each female per year
Breed Defects. . . . . White feathers in coloured plumage; EXCEPT white around the bill/ a sign of age as in a Brecon Goose; Uneven Lobes
Incubation:. . . . . . . 28 - 34 days
Breed Hints.... . . .Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; Gander, 6 kg ( 18 pounds) Goose, 5.5 kg (16 pounds )
Breed Tip . . . .Needs: Grazing; Deeper water. as a swimmer and splasher !
Flying . . . .rarely flies a good all rounder;\
Brecon Buff
History;
A recently developed Welsh Breed that was officially recognized as an individual true breed in 1934 based upon stock used by Brecon farmers (...at last a breed used to rain and mud ?) . They are hardy breed well and respond to being allowed to forage rather than be kept in a yard.*****Check if buying this breed that the stock has bright almost 'Schapparelli' pink legs and beak...the beak colour gradually becomes pinker in the gosling and can often be born with a mucky pinkish orange bill which changes as they fledge.Many of the buff coloured gslings and geese sold are Not Brecon Buff Geese ..if in doubt ask to see the parent stock.They do not have a keel .
Country Of Origin;........ Wales , United kingdom
Carriage; . compact and docile ( thick as the proverbial plank)
Purpose;..........Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour .....................white
Egg Numbers............10 / 20+
Breed Defects. . . . . White feathers in coloured plumage; EXCEPT white around the bill/ a sign of age; Uneven Lobes
Incubation: . . . . . . 28 - 34 days
Breed Hints.... . .Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; .one of the smallest goose breeds
Breed Tip . . . .Needs: Grazing; water.****Females develop a white line of feathers around their top bill due to age.. this is not present in first year stock
Flying .. . .rarely flies a good all rounder; good at escaping
A recently developed Welsh Breed that was officially recognized as an individual true breed in 1934 based upon stock used by Brecon farmers (...at last a breed used to rain and mud ?) . They are hardy breed well and respond to being allowed to forage rather than be kept in a yard.*****Check if buying this breed that the stock has bright almost 'Schapparelli' pink legs and beak...the beak colour gradually becomes pinker in the gosling and can often be born with a mucky pinkish orange bill which changes as they fledge.Many of the buff coloured gslings and geese sold are Not Brecon Buff Geese ..if in doubt ask to see the parent stock.They do not have a keel .
Country Of Origin;........ Wales , United kingdom
Carriage; . compact and docile ( thick as the proverbial plank)
Purpose;..........Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour .....................white
Egg Numbers............10 / 20+
Breed Defects. . . . . White feathers in coloured plumage; EXCEPT white around the bill/ a sign of age; Uneven Lobes
Incubation: . . . . . . 28 - 34 days
Breed Hints.... . .Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; .one of the smallest goose breeds
Breed Tip . . . .Needs: Grazing; water.****Females develop a white line of feathers around their top bill due to age.. this is not present in first year stock
Flying .. . .rarely flies a good all rounder; good at escaping
Buff Back
History;
Appearance:Plump goose with no keel. Back slightly convex approximately 60% wider than the depth ie long bodied. Tail Short carried almost horizontal. Blue eyed bill and legs orange .
Country Of Origin;. ........Europe
Carriage; . . compact and docile
Purpose;...........Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour .....................white
Egg Numbers............. Will lay at least 30 eggs in a season
Breed Defects. .. . . White feathers in coloured plumage; EXCEPT white around the bill/ a sign of age;
Incubation: .. . . . . . . 28 - 34 days
Breed Hints.... . . .Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; 8- 10 kg Gander ;Goose, 7 - 9 kg
Breed Tip . . . .Needs: Grazing; water.
Flying .. . .rarely flies a good all rounder;
Appearance:Plump goose with no keel. Back slightly convex approximately 60% wider than the depth ie long bodied. Tail Short carried almost horizontal. Blue eyed bill and legs orange .
Country Of Origin;. ........Europe
Carriage; . . compact and docile
Purpose;...........Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour .....................white
Egg Numbers............. Will lay at least 30 eggs in a season
Breed Defects. .. . . White feathers in coloured plumage; EXCEPT white around the bill/ a sign of age;
Incubation: .. . . . . . . 28 - 34 days
Breed Hints.... . . .Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; 8- 10 kg Gander ;Goose, 7 - 9 kg
Breed Tip . . . .Needs: Grazing; water.
Flying .. . .rarely flies a good all rounder;
Chinese
The Chinese Goose is a breed descended from the wild Swan Goose.. Chinese geese differ from the wild birds in much larger size (up to 5-10 kg in males, 4-9 kg in females), and in having an often strongly developed basal knob on the upper side of the bill. The knob at the top of the beak is more prominent on males than females. By 6–8 weeks of age, the knob is already pronounced enough that it can be used for sexing. Chinese geese are a close cousin of the African goose, a heavier breed also descended from the Swan Goose they also differ from other breeds having more neck vertabraeMeat Production: Egg Production: Will lay at least 50 eggs in a season (about 100 known) , and because of this are ideal for crossing with other breeds, having a better bone/meat ratio than the others and a leaner carcase with little or no fat . They also often lay twice per year in Autumn and Spring Notes: These geese are meant to be the most suitable 'watchdog ' being the chattiest breed with a curiosity unrivaled by other breeds .. Very good and tolerant with small children with a penchant for the sweet sugary breakfast cereals and the sweeter fruitsCountry Of Origin;. ........ China ...........old name "China Goose" or "Swan Goose"
Carriage; This variety is smaller than others and is distinguishable from other geese by the knob or protuberance on its head.
Purpose;... .......Eggs..Meat...Broody...a good utility goose
Egg Colour; ..................... eggs white
Egg Numbers .............at least 50 eggs in a season (about 100 known)
Breed Defects. . . . . .dewlap, lack of 'knob' on head
Incubation: . . . . . . .28 - 34 days.
Breed Hints.... Chinese geese go broody easily and are generally better layers Incubation: 28 - 34 days. If children are present always buy well handles stock as the geese are terrified of small humans
Weights; 6 kg Goose, 5.5 kg
Breed Tip They are succeptible to severe cold and have been recorded as getting frostbite and burns on their facial knob . They are also very keen as a breed to take on small yappy dogs and for the dogs own protection keep them away especially at breeding time when ganders attack on sight......
Flying .can fly, rarely flies a good back garden all rounder;
Carriage; This variety is smaller than others and is distinguishable from other geese by the knob or protuberance on its head.
Purpose;... .......Eggs..Meat...Broody...a good utility goose
Egg Colour; ..................... eggs white
Egg Numbers .............at least 50 eggs in a season (about 100 known)
Breed Defects. . . . . .dewlap, lack of 'knob' on head
Incubation: . . . . . . .28 - 34 days.
Breed Hints.... Chinese geese go broody easily and are generally better layers Incubation: 28 - 34 days. If children are present always buy well handles stock as the geese are terrified of small humans
Weights; 6 kg Goose, 5.5 kg
Breed Tip They are succeptible to severe cold and have been recorded as getting frostbite and burns on their facial knob . They are also very keen as a breed to take on small yappy dogs and for the dogs own protection keep them away especially at breeding time when ganders attack on sight......
Flying .can fly, rarely flies a good back garden all rounder;
Czech
Uses: Utility - meat.
Eggs: 10 to 25 per year. Colour: White
Weight: Gander: 5-5.5 Kg, Goose: 4-4.5 Kg.
Colours: White
Useful to know: Czech Geese are very similar in appearance to Roman Geese but are smaller in size.
Photo: Best of Breed Czech Goose at the British Waterfowl Association National Exhibition 2010 owned by Denise Moss.
Czech Geese are very short and stocky and one of the lightest geese at only 4.5 to 5.5 Kg. They are a lively goose and keep active and alert. These Geese were developped in Germany but the original birds came from Bohemia, an area occupying the western two-thirds of the former Czechoslovakia, now called the Czech Republic.
Eggs: 10 to 25 per year. Colour: White
Weight: Gander: 5-5.5 Kg, Goose: 4-4.5 Kg.
Colours: White
Useful to know: Czech Geese are very similar in appearance to Roman Geese but are smaller in size.
Photo: Best of Breed Czech Goose at the British Waterfowl Association National Exhibition 2010 owned by Denise Moss.
Czech Geese are very short and stocky and one of the lightest geese at only 4.5 to 5.5 Kg. They are a lively goose and keep active and alert. These Geese were developped in Germany but the original birds came from Bohemia, an area occupying the western two-thirds of the former Czechoslovakia, now called the Czech Republic.
Embden
History;
Of great age and history
Appearance: This is the tallest goose with a massive and long body, long swan neck, with the double lobes not touching the ground. The colour of the plumage is completely white (some grey feathers are admitted in young ones / first year often under the wing ); Bright orange bill with flesh coloured bean ; and legs; clear blue eyes.The normally reach over a metre in height.Meat Production: The true Embden Goose suffers like the Aylesbury in that most of the public think all white geese are Embden's whereas few of them are actually pure bred stock. The height of this breed will normally be the giveaway as they are considerably taller than their cross bred cousins.
Country Of Origin;........ Although a German name most historical sources place this as a northern Dutch breed that also migrated throughout Europe to Italy from where it was imported from to cross with our native white breeds.
Carriage;
Purpose;.........Eggs.....Meat...Broody
Egg Colour ..................... eggs white / egg weight 170g
Egg Numbers............10 / 20
Breed Defects. . . . .plumage other than white; Uneven lobes; Keel;
Incubation: . . . . . .28 -34 days.
Breed Hints....****.The tallest breed if the bird is short and dumpy it is NOT an Embden
Weights;Gander, 26 pound mature Goose, 20 pounds mature
gander 11 to 12 kg / goose of 10 to 11 kg;
Breed Tip Kept as pair or flock.... can be over protective of their 'wives & young' in spring so not a beginners breed. Can also be short fused with small dogs ie not advisable for dog keepers unless you have a problem. . .
Of great age and history
Appearance: This is the tallest goose with a massive and long body, long swan neck, with the double lobes not touching the ground. The colour of the plumage is completely white (some grey feathers are admitted in young ones / first year often under the wing ); Bright orange bill with flesh coloured bean ; and legs; clear blue eyes.The normally reach over a metre in height.Meat Production: The true Embden Goose suffers like the Aylesbury in that most of the public think all white geese are Embden's whereas few of them are actually pure bred stock. The height of this breed will normally be the giveaway as they are considerably taller than their cross bred cousins.
Country Of Origin;........ Although a German name most historical sources place this as a northern Dutch breed that also migrated throughout Europe to Italy from where it was imported from to cross with our native white breeds.
Carriage;
Purpose;.........Eggs.....Meat...Broody
Egg Colour ..................... eggs white / egg weight 170g
Egg Numbers............10 / 20
Breed Defects. . . . .plumage other than white; Uneven lobes; Keel;
Incubation: . . . . . .28 -34 days.
Breed Hints....****.The tallest breed if the bird is short and dumpy it is NOT an Embden
Weights;Gander, 26 pound mature Goose, 20 pounds mature
gander 11 to 12 kg / goose of 10 to 11 kg;
Breed Tip Kept as pair or flock.... can be over protective of their 'wives & young' in spring so not a beginners breed. Can also be short fused with small dogs ie not advisable for dog keepers unless you have a problem. . .
Grey Back
History;
Appearance:Plump goose with no keel. Back slightly convex approximately 60% wider than the depth ie long bodied. Tail Short carried almost horizontal. Blue eyed bill and legs orange . Often mistaken for Pommeranian but is dual lobed underneath......... a dual lobed Pommeranian in most appearances
Country Of Origin;. ........Europe
Carriage; . . compact and docile
Purpose;...........Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour .....................white
Egg Numbers............. Will lay at least 30 eggs in a season
Breed Defects. .. . . White feathers in coloured plumage; EXCEPT white around the bill/ a sign of age;
Incubation: .. . . . . . . 28 - 34 days
Breed Hints.... . . .Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; 8- 10 kg Gander ;Goose, 7 - 9 kg
Breed Tip . . . .Needs: Grazing; water.
Flying .. . .rarely flies a good all rounder;
Appearance:Plump goose with no keel. Back slightly convex approximately 60% wider than the depth ie long bodied. Tail Short carried almost horizontal. Blue eyed bill and legs orange . Often mistaken for Pommeranian but is dual lobed underneath......... a dual lobed Pommeranian in most appearances
Country Of Origin;. ........Europe
Carriage; . . compact and docile
Purpose;...........Eggs.....Meat...Broody..
Egg Colour .....................white
Egg Numbers............. Will lay at least 30 eggs in a season
Breed Defects. .. . . White feathers in coloured plumage; EXCEPT white around the bill/ a sign of age;
Incubation: .. . . . . . . 28 - 34 days
Breed Hints.... . . .Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; 8- 10 kg Gander ;Goose, 7 - 9 kg
Breed Tip . . . .Needs: Grazing; water.
Flying .. . .rarely flies a good all rounder;
Pilgrim
History
The Pilgrim is the only goose breed in which males and females are sex linked ; the males creamy white and the females grey. It is likely that the Pilgrim was not standardized as a breed until this century. Oscar Grow claimed to have developed them in the 1930's in the midwestern U.S..
Pilgrim geese are unique in that they are the only domestic breed of geese that is sexually linked as a gosling and as an adult. In Pilgrim geese, the sexes have a distinct colouring and pattern that identities them. Adult ganders are mostly white with some grey on the back and wings. Adult females are mostly grey with some white on their head and neck. The gosling males are silvery yellow with light beaks. The young females are olive drab with darker bills.Pilgrims are medium-sized geese, weighing 13 - 14 pounds at maturity. The head is trim, the crown is often slightly flattened and the neck is average in length and thickness. Their bodies are full and plump, with a smooth, keelless breast. They should have two rounded fatty lobes on the abdomen. Properly managed, they lay 35-45 six to seven ounce white eggs annually.
"Pilgrims are rugged, quiet, docile, good foragers, excellent natural parents and make good medium-sized roasting birds. Because they are sex-linked for color, it is a simple matter - even for the novice - to keep the correct ratio of males to females when selecting young for future breeders. Ganders can be mated with three to five geese." (Holderread, 1981). When selecting for breeding stock "look for broad backs and breasts that are keelless. Stay away from using birds with any sign of a knob (an indication of crossbreeding), long necks and legs, shallow breasts, ganders with excessive gray in the plumage and geese with predominantly white necks. Because Pilgrims are noted for being sweet-tempered, this trait should be considered when retaining birds for reproduction." (Holderread, 1981). For those seeking a medium-weight goose, Pilgrims are an excellent choice for the home goose flock.
The Pilgrim is the only goose breed in which males and females are sex linked ; the males creamy white and the females grey. It is likely that the Pilgrim was not standardized as a breed until this century. Oscar Grow claimed to have developed them in the 1930's in the midwestern U.S..
Pilgrim geese are unique in that they are the only domestic breed of geese that is sexually linked as a gosling and as an adult. In Pilgrim geese, the sexes have a distinct colouring and pattern that identities them. Adult ganders are mostly white with some grey on the back and wings. Adult females are mostly grey with some white on their head and neck. The gosling males are silvery yellow with light beaks. The young females are olive drab with darker bills.Pilgrims are medium-sized geese, weighing 13 - 14 pounds at maturity. The head is trim, the crown is often slightly flattened and the neck is average in length and thickness. Their bodies are full and plump, with a smooth, keelless breast. They should have two rounded fatty lobes on the abdomen. Properly managed, they lay 35-45 six to seven ounce white eggs annually.
"Pilgrims are rugged, quiet, docile, good foragers, excellent natural parents and make good medium-sized roasting birds. Because they are sex-linked for color, it is a simple matter - even for the novice - to keep the correct ratio of males to females when selecting young for future breeders. Ganders can be mated with three to five geese." (Holderread, 1981). When selecting for breeding stock "look for broad backs and breasts that are keelless. Stay away from using birds with any sign of a knob (an indication of crossbreeding), long necks and legs, shallow breasts, ganders with excessive gray in the plumage and geese with predominantly white necks. Because Pilgrims are noted for being sweet-tempered, this trait should be considered when retaining birds for reproduction." (Holderread, 1981). For those seeking a medium-weight goose, Pilgrims are an excellent choice for the home goose flock.
Pomeranian
Breed Background: A hardy good foraging goose bred for the colder winters of Germany. Good strong goslings that need fresh greens from a very early age to thrive ... grass cuttings are excellent.
Appearance: Single Lobed / Blue eyed /reddish beak and legs /Nearly Horizontal carriage.
Available in Europe in Saddleback / Pure White /Solid Grey. The white is generally believed to be responsible in part for the Embden Breed .
Meat Production:
Eggs Average about 30 per season
Broodiness: Incubation: 28 - 34 days/ good mother
Breed Hint ; Very keen to try almost any green plant ... the more expensive the better .Excellent at shredding / debarking trees ..Willow is their especial favouri
********If they have brown eyes they could be Grey Backs or overmarked with grey as when the body is more than 50% dark it will affect eye colour
Appearance: Single Lobed / Blue eyed /reddish beak and legs /Nearly Horizontal carriage.
Available in Europe in Saddleback / Pure White /Solid Grey. The white is generally believed to be responsible in part for the Embden Breed .
Meat Production:
Eggs Average about 30 per season
Broodiness: Incubation: 28 - 34 days/ good mother
Breed Hint ; Very keen to try almost any green plant ... the more expensive the better .Excellent at shredding / debarking trees ..Willow is their especial favouri
********If they have brown eyes they could be Grey Backs or overmarked with grey as when the body is more than 50% dark it will affect eye colour
Roman
History
The Roman goose was imported from Italy in around 1903 although odd birds were mentioned prior to this date. Early birds often appeared with grey markings on their backs and a few will throw this defect today. They are very small compact chubby little birds with no keel. In America this breed is often found with a small feather crest and many have crests.
They have become more poular in the USA / Europe as the basis for a small chubby eating goose having a good meat / bone ratio and being prolific breeders. They produce a carcase more suitable to smaller families and a suitable maet for Kosher and other specialist diets.
Their distinctive feature is their short neck and shorter back / body line.
The Roman goose was imported from Italy in around 1903 although odd birds were mentioned prior to this date. Early birds often appeared with grey markings on their backs and a few will throw this defect today. They are very small compact chubby little birds with no keel. In America this breed is often found with a small feather crest and many have crests.
They have become more poular in the USA / Europe as the basis for a small chubby eating goose having a good meat / bone ratio and being prolific breeders. They produce a carcase more suitable to smaller families and a suitable maet for Kosher and other specialist diets.
Their distinctive feature is their short neck and shorter back / body line.
Sebastopol
History
They are reputed to be of European origin and were called Sebastopol after being brought from the seaport of Sebastopol."The birds were sent to England by Mr John Harvey esq who had been cruising in the Black Sea .They were also presented to the Zoological Society in February 1860 by Mr Bartlett so the rumour re the Crimea and soldiers is wrong. They are unique in the goose breeds in having frizzled feathers which curl due to the lack of a rigid feather spine/quill. When the primaries and secondaries on the wing also curl well it is often linked to the angel wing ; and it becomes almost the norm to find wing abnormalities within this breed resulting in the unaffected ones becoming expensive ! This defect is often the result of close/in breeding and is cured often by breeding the smooth breasted and the frizzled rather than frizzled to frizzled..
........They are average layers as a breed and due to their east European heritage may occasionally be short tempered having the Russian fighting Geese / German Kampfganse in their makeup.Useful in that they are unable to fly well having no true wings, but needing care and plentiful water in order to groom and care for their plumage
**Breed Hint ....Normally a smooth breasted or less frizzled goose bred to a frizzle will breed a better gosling as the feathering often skips generations
They are reputed to be of European origin and were called Sebastopol after being brought from the seaport of Sebastopol."The birds were sent to England by Mr John Harvey esq who had been cruising in the Black Sea .They were also presented to the Zoological Society in February 1860 by Mr Bartlett so the rumour re the Crimea and soldiers is wrong. They are unique in the goose breeds in having frizzled feathers which curl due to the lack of a rigid feather spine/quill. When the primaries and secondaries on the wing also curl well it is often linked to the angel wing ; and it becomes almost the norm to find wing abnormalities within this breed resulting in the unaffected ones becoming expensive ! This defect is often the result of close/in breeding and is cured often by breeding the smooth breasted and the frizzled rather than frizzled to frizzled..
........They are average layers as a breed and due to their east European heritage may occasionally be short tempered having the Russian fighting Geese / German Kampfganse in their makeup.Useful in that they are unable to fly well having no true wings, but needing care and plentiful water in order to groom and care for their plumage
**Breed Hint ....Normally a smooth breasted or less frizzled goose bred to a frizzle will breed a better gosling as the feathering often skips generations
Shetland
Shetland geese average 12-14 lbs, and lay about 30 eggs yearly. Shetland geese are noted for their foraging ability and sex-linked color. Their coloration sometimes leads to confusion with Pilgrim geese, which are also color sex-linked. The plumage of the gander is white, and his eyes are blue. The goose (female) is half white and half gray. The shoulders, secondary flight feathers, under-wing back and thigh coverts are gray. The head and neck are mainly white, with varying amounts of gray plumage on the lower neck. The eyes of a goose are brown or brown and blue mottled. The bill of both sexes is orange and reddens towards the nostrils. The Shetland goose (both sexes) has a broad back and a well rounded, keelless breast. The paunch is single-lobed. The wings are powerful, allowing full ability of flight.When selecting breeders choose vigorous, strong-legged birds free of physical deformities. Consider growth rate, egg production, and forage ability for utility birds. Due to the rarity of these birds, please consult the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy to develop a breeding program. The Shetland Goose combines several valuable traits including a shortened bill for active foraging. With ample access to succulent grasses, Shetland geese will forage for most of their food.
Shetland geese typically mate for life. Females often go broody after laying approximately18 eggs, and are successful setters and mothers.
Shetland geese typically mate for life. Females often go broody after laying approximately18 eggs, and are successful setters and mothers.
Skane
hese geese are descended from birds (probably Pomeranian types) brought home from Germany by Swedish soldiers in the 1700s. These birds were mixed with other Swedish breeds and the Scania was the result. They are always gray and white and should have one lobe to their paunch.
Although usually calm, they can be aggressive at times. They are reported to make excellent parents.
Scanias fatten easily and make a good-sized roast. Females reach 15 to 20 pounds (6 to 8 kilos) and males 24 to 38 lbs. (10 to 16 k). Their eyes are blue-grey, feet reddish-orange, and bill yellowish-orange with a flesh-colored tip. They lay a gray-white egg.
Although usually calm, they can be aggressive at times. They are reported to make excellent parents.
Scanias fatten easily and make a good-sized roast. Females reach 15 to 20 pounds (6 to 8 kilos) and males 24 to 38 lbs. (10 to 16 k). Their eyes are blue-grey, feet reddish-orange, and bill yellowish-orange with a flesh-colored tip. They lay a gray-white egg.
Steinbacher
History
Breed Background: Country of Origin: Germany / Northern Europe/ Thuringen area. Bred originally from a cross from the local geese and Chinese. Known as a pure breed from 1932 in Europe Also known as L'oie de combat de Steinbach in France/Belgium
Appearance: Available in Blue ; Grey ;Buff ; Cream and white in Europe but here only Graham Hicks keeps Grey most are Blue .They are distinctive in that they have a black bean on an orange bill with black seration marks around the edge of the mouth. Feet and legs orange.Uniform grey blue feathering
A medium goose with a very straight neck ,strong with a sloping back line . They should not have a paunch as a young bird although most are dual lobed as adults .*Keels are a disqualifying factor in this breed
Size: Gander, 6 / 7kg Goose, 5.5 kg
Meat Production: Egg Production:
Broodiness:. Incubation: 28 - 34 days Can be a reluctant sitter watch with a broody ready.
Notes: Known as a Kampfganse ie fighting goose which is shown by the short strong bill useful for defending yourself. In keeping them I have yet to find an aggressive one they seem similar temperament to the Chinese ie. will protect if provoked but mostly amenable
Breed Background: Country of Origin: Germany / Northern Europe/ Thuringen area. Bred originally from a cross from the local geese and Chinese. Known as a pure breed from 1932 in Europe Also known as L'oie de combat de Steinbach in France/Belgium
Appearance: Available in Blue ; Grey ;Buff ; Cream and white in Europe but here only Graham Hicks keeps Grey most are Blue .They are distinctive in that they have a black bean on an orange bill with black seration marks around the edge of the mouth. Feet and legs orange.Uniform grey blue feathering
A medium goose with a very straight neck ,strong with a sloping back line . They should not have a paunch as a young bird although most are dual lobed as adults .*Keels are a disqualifying factor in this breed
Size: Gander, 6 / 7kg Goose, 5.5 kg
Meat Production: Egg Production:
Broodiness:. Incubation: 28 - 34 days Can be a reluctant sitter watch with a broody ready.
Notes: Known as a Kampfganse ie fighting goose which is shown by the short strong bill useful for defending yourself. In keeping them I have yet to find an aggressive one they seem similar temperament to the Chinese ie. will protect if provoked but mostly amenable
Toulouse
History;
The Toulouse Goose is one of the larger goose breeds. In its exhibition or "dewlap" form, the Toulouse Goose may weight 25 pounds and have its body skimming the ground. The "utility" Toulouse Goose is smaller and lacks the dewlap being basically a cross bred grey Heinz with no value other than for the table.
Country of Origin: France . The Toulouse Goose was bred in southern France (near the city of Toulouse) originally for pate de Fois Gras now considered a superior meat bird in Europe. The breeding work to finalize the points and breed true was done in England with a great number being exported to America and Canada prior to the 1950's . At the moment the Club has been importing a number back from the USA as the gene pool in Britain has become too narrow making a number of males virtually infertile.
Breed Background: A heavy breed which does well in confinement since their size restricts foraging and although their goslings tend to grow slower than other geese. The progeny of a Toulouse goose crossed with an Emden gander grow rapidly. The progeny of a Toulouse goose crossed with an Emden gander grow rapidly.
Names Also known as L'oie Grise des Landes and L'oie du Toulouse in France/Belgium the name alteration appears to be area ?
Country Of Origin;........France
Carriage; like a galleon in full sail or Margaret Rutherford in feathers for the older reader
Purpose;.........Eggs..Meat...Broody...exhibition
Egg Colour.....................white
Egg Numbers..............Average about 35 per season Best known 60+ per Goose.First layers about 10
Broodiness: Incubation:. . . . 28 - 34 days/ good mother but clumsy due to size need a large hay covereed tray for the eggs to prevent cruching as they pip. Otherwise hatch very well under Muscovies
Breed Hints....Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; Gander, 12 kg / 26 poundsGoose, 9 kg / 20 pounds
Breed Tip**As a breed succeptible to flystrike (maggots) on open cuts or scratches which are disguised by the open feathering.
tip Due to their size in comparison to their leg length they prefer real ponds or shallow edged trays/ childrens sandpits (ELC or IKEA) as many others can produce a snug fit. Wickes builders merchants do a 'cement mixing tray' in black composite. . . cheap!
Appearance: Grey feathers laced with white, brown eyes with a long deep body with a prominent breast bone. Better show birds have a pronounced front as in the picture and double muscled folds when seen from the front. Better breeding birds often have less front or their 'equipment' does not reach to mate successfully
Meat Production: The supreme meat cross which tends to pass on the placid (dumb) temperamernt to the off spring. As a pure breed it often resembles a large tub of lard with feet .....so unless a very poor specimen not worth the plucking...... better for the breeding pen for X breds.
The Toulouse Goose is one of the larger goose breeds. In its exhibition or "dewlap" form, the Toulouse Goose may weight 25 pounds and have its body skimming the ground. The "utility" Toulouse Goose is smaller and lacks the dewlap being basically a cross bred grey Heinz with no value other than for the table.
Country of Origin: France . The Toulouse Goose was bred in southern France (near the city of Toulouse) originally for pate de Fois Gras now considered a superior meat bird in Europe. The breeding work to finalize the points and breed true was done in England with a great number being exported to America and Canada prior to the 1950's . At the moment the Club has been importing a number back from the USA as the gene pool in Britain has become too narrow making a number of males virtually infertile.
Breed Background: A heavy breed which does well in confinement since their size restricts foraging and although their goslings tend to grow slower than other geese. The progeny of a Toulouse goose crossed with an Emden gander grow rapidly. The progeny of a Toulouse goose crossed with an Emden gander grow rapidly.
Names Also known as L'oie Grise des Landes and L'oie du Toulouse in France/Belgium the name alteration appears to be area ?
Country Of Origin;........France
Carriage; like a galleon in full sail or Margaret Rutherford in feathers for the older reader
Purpose;.........Eggs..Meat...Broody...exhibition
Egg Colour.....................white
Egg Numbers..............Average about 35 per season Best known 60+ per Goose.First layers about 10
Broodiness: Incubation:. . . . 28 - 34 days/ good mother but clumsy due to size need a large hay covereed tray for the eggs to prevent cruching as they pip. Otherwise hatch very well under Muscovies
Breed Hints....Kept as trio or pair .. will go broody and hatch
Weights; Gander, 12 kg / 26 poundsGoose, 9 kg / 20 pounds
Breed Tip**As a breed succeptible to flystrike (maggots) on open cuts or scratches which are disguised by the open feathering.
tip Due to their size in comparison to their leg length they prefer real ponds or shallow edged trays/ childrens sandpits (ELC or IKEA) as many others can produce a snug fit. Wickes builders merchants do a 'cement mixing tray' in black composite. . . cheap!
Appearance: Grey feathers laced with white, brown eyes with a long deep body with a prominent breast bone. Better show birds have a pronounced front as in the picture and double muscled folds when seen from the front. Better breeding birds often have less front or their 'equipment' does not reach to mate successfully
Meat Production: The supreme meat cross which tends to pass on the placid (dumb) temperamernt to the off spring. As a pure breed it often resembles a large tub of lard with feet .....so unless a very poor specimen not worth the plucking...... better for the breeding pen for X breds.
West of England
West of England The West of England is an ancient auto-sexing breed that has existed in Great Britain prior to 1600. The history is rather vague, but it is likely the auto-sexing attributes of the breed were developed over many centuries without the influence of foreign breeds. Although they are a different breed to the Pilgrim they are likely to feature in the Pilgrim’s ancestry. The first West of England geese were likely to have been exported to the New World at the time of the Pilgrim Fathers.
The current struggle is to find pure stock.
Description
The body is moderately long and deep with a medium length neck and broad back. The tail is medium length and carried horizontally. A dual lobed paunch features between the legs.
Gander: Pure white plumage although traces of grey markings may be seen on the back and flight feathers.
Goose: White to the front of the head around the beak but the remainder of the head is grey. The neck consists of white and grey feathers. The breast and flanks are white except grey coverts with pale lacing on the thighs. Back feathers are grey and form a saddleback of colour. The tail is grey and white. Primary, secondary and tertiary feathers of the wings are white. The scapulars and coverts are grey with a pale lacing. Eyes are blue, legs and feet are orange or pink. The beak is orange.
Origin: West and South West counties of England
Class: Medium weight
Colour: Gander: white, Goose: grey and white
Eggs: White
Weight, male: 7.3 – 9.1kg
Weight, female: 6.3 – 8.2kg
The current struggle is to find pure stock.
Description
The body is moderately long and deep with a medium length neck and broad back. The tail is medium length and carried horizontally. A dual lobed paunch features between the legs.
Gander: Pure white plumage although traces of grey markings may be seen on the back and flight feathers.
Goose: White to the front of the head around the beak but the remainder of the head is grey. The neck consists of white and grey feathers. The breast and flanks are white except grey coverts with pale lacing on the thighs. Back feathers are grey and form a saddleback of colour. The tail is grey and white. Primary, secondary and tertiary feathers of the wings are white. The scapulars and coverts are grey with a pale lacing. Eyes are blue, legs and feet are orange or pink. The beak is orange.
Origin: West and South West counties of England
Class: Medium weight
Colour: Gander: white, Goose: grey and white
Eggs: White
Weight, male: 7.3 – 9.1kg
Weight, female: 6.3 – 8.2kg