Sebastopol goose

The Sebastopol is a breed of domestic goose, descended from the European Graylag. They were also referred to as Danubian geese; a name first used for the breed in Ireland in 1863. ‘Danubian’ was used as a synonym in the 19th century; and only given precedence by Edward Brown after the turn of the century. The Sebastopol is a medium-sized goose with long, white curly feathers. The feathers of the neck are smooth and sometimes greyish-brown. Crosses have produced all-gray, buff, and saddle back variants. Feathers on the breast may be curly (frizzle) or smooth. The gander weighs 12-14 lbs while the goose weighs 10-12 lbs. The legs and shanks are orange and the eyes bright blue. On average, females produce 25-35 eggs per year.

Though geese generally retain some flight ability, Sebastopols cannot fly well due to the curliness of their feathers and have difficulty getting off the ground. They need plenty of water in order to keep themselves clean, and to clean their sinuses (as do all waterfowl).

In German, they are called Lockengans or Struppgans, meaning “curl-goose” and “unkempt goose”.

Classification

Light

Appearance

White or buff. Whites have blue eyes and the buffs have brown eyes. The breed is subdivided into curly or smooth depending on whether breast feathers are curly or smooth but the remainder of feathers are curly.

Sebastopol Gossling Images courtesy Commons

White Sebastopol Goose

Sebastopol Goose

Weight

Gander	5.4 – 6.3 Kg
Goose	4.5 – 5.4 Kg

See also

• List of poultry breeds
• Goose
• Poultry

External links

• Wikipedia: Domestic goose
• Wikipedia: Sebastopol goose