Adult Description. The males (ganders) are generally larger, weighing about 26 pounds (12 kg) and the females (geese) weigh about 20 pounds (9 kg). The feathers come in varying shades of grey (applicable to the original grey variety).
How big does a Toulouse goose get?
The Standard Dewlap Toulouse is a huge bird averaging 20-26 lbs. Some specimens tip the scales at thirty pounds or more. Because of their loose plumage, they often appear heavier than they actually are. Every feature of this placid giant is massive.
How fast do Toulouse geese grow?
They are not as noisy as African Geese but not as quiet as Toulouse Geese. They are excellent meat birds that require three years to reach full maturity. “You can see your potential and what you will have at Year One,” said Konecny, “but full potential will be reached in three years.
How tall do French Toulouse geese get?
The gray Toulouse goose breed stands at 36-40 in (91.4-101.6 cm) tall. It is the same size as a white mute swan, or a hornbill.
Are Toulouse geese friendly?
A Toulouse goose is a domesticated breed from Toulouse, France. This breed is very docile and friendly, especially the females. They enjoy spending time with other waterfowl and chickens.
What is the friendliest goose breed?
Buff geese are usually very friendly and they will fit in well on a family farm. Their lovely coloring makes them particularly striking in a large flock, gliding across a pond or enjoying the greens of a large field.
Are Toulouse geese aggressive?
Temperament: Geese, in general, are not known for being “friendly,” but the Toulouse has been domesticated for hundreds of years and is much calmer than many other breeds of geese. Some owners report that they sometimes prefer the company of ducks to that of other, more aggressive breeds of geese.
Do Toulouse geese need a pond?
Water: Domestic geese do not need a pond but will still need a substantial size tub of water that is kept fresh and clean. Geese prefer to mate on the water, so we must ensure heavier breeds (such as the African or Toulouse Goose) have slightly deeper water than the lighter weight breeds.
What month do Toulouse geese lay eggs?
The main egg-laying period for geese is in the spring, commencing about August or September. Chinese breeds can start laying in winter. Encourage early seasonal egg production, so goslings are of marketable age and weight in time for the Christmas market.
How do you tell the difference between a male and female Toulouse goose?
The voices of females are slightly higher in pitch and they will occasionally make a, “kaw-kaw-kaw,” sound that males don’t. Males tend to stand a little taller, are a bit bigger and strike a more regal posture, very proud and tall.
Can French Toulouse geese fly?
The Toulouse plumage is generally fuller and softer than that of the average farmyard goose. These heavy birds are not good fliers.
Are Toulouse geese good guard geese?
And Sebastopols and Dewlap Toulouse geese are calm and docile, rarely showing aggression. Geese have many uses on the farm including as weeders, and for their eggs and meat. But they also can be used as guardians, in addition to these other benefits.
How many times do geese lay eggs in a year?
Canada geese lay between four and nine eggs per year. The average is five. The female lays one egg every one to two days, usually early in the morning. She does not leave the nest, eat, drink, or bathe while the eggs are incubating.
Do geese bond with humans?
Most geese are friendly, and with personality galore, some individuals may bond with you much like a dog, follow you around, give you “gooseneck” hugs, and be very interested in what you’re doing.
Do geese like to be petted?
In fact, geese can be so affectionate, intelligent, and loyal that it isn’t uncommon for people to keep them as pets rather than livestock—some geese will even seek physical contact, snuggling up to their owners and wanting to be held.
What is the quietest breed of goose?
The Embden goose breed is primarily a meat bird. It is also quieter than other types of geese, making it a good choice as a pet or guardian on a hobby farm.
Which goose is best to eat?
But of the geese, speckle-bellied and Canada geese are considered the best eating, though the snow goose is good too.
What goose breed should I get?
The breeds best suited for guard duty are the Tufted Roman, Saddleback Pomeranian, and Chinese. Tufted Roman geese make excellent guard animals. In fact, it was Tufted Roman geese that sounded the alarm when the Gauls tried to invade Rome.
How much does a baby goose cost?
An average price for goslings starts from $7 and goes up to $30 or more depending on the health and bloodline.
Is goose poop good for grass?
So yes, geese do create a lot of waste, but so do nearly any type of livestock. It’s beneficial for the garden, and in small amount, even the lawn. It’s nitrogen-rich which will make your grass grow in nice and green and healthy.
Where do geese sleep at night?
Most of the time, geese and ducks sleep at night right on the water. Eagles and hawks aren’t a threat because they also sleep during the night, and any predator swimming after the birds would send vibrations through the water, waking them up. Small islands work, too.
Do geese remember faces?
A Canada goose never forgets a face – or a kindness. Give one treats or rescue an injured goose and you have made a friend for life.
What should you not feed geese?
Things like white bread, candy, junk food, fast food, chips, and anything with high levels of salt, sugar, and fat should not be fed to geese.
Do Chinese geese need a pond?
Geese are not like ducks. They need water of course but do not require water to the same extent. The one point that might make a difference is if you are hoping to brood goslings with your goose breeding pair. Geese have an easier time mating when in the water.
Are geese good for a pond?
Geese can easily damage the delicate ecology of a pond because of their prodigious amounts of excrement and the phosphorous and nitrogen emitted from their waste. All of this excess phosphorus and nitrogen speeds up what is called “pond eutrophication,” which is the gradual enrichment of nutrients in the water.