The Sebastopol goose is a domesticated goose and one of the most popular breeds for ornamental and food production purposes. These geese have long, slender necks and webbed feet, making them excellent swimmers.
These geese are typically raised for eggs or meat, or as pets. Some golf resorts keep them on the property to keep the grass short. They are good-natured and fatten up easily, making them ideal for both utilitarian and hobby purposes.
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Quick Facts about Sebastopol Goose
| Breed Name: | Sebastopol goose |
| Place of Origin: | Sebastopol, Crimea |
| Uses: | Ornamental, meat, eggs |
| Gander (Male) Size: | 12 – 14 lbs |
| Goose (Female) Size: | 10 – 12 lbs |
| Color: | White, all-gray, buff, saddleback |
| Lifespan: | 25 years |
| Climate Tolerance: | Hardy, diverse |
| Care Level: | Low maintenance |
| Production: | 25 – 35 eggs per year |
Sebastopol Goose Origins
The Sebastopol goose descended from the European Greylag goose, which has a mysterious origin. It’s believed the breed was developed somewhere in Central Europe along the Danube and the Black Sea.
Records indicate that the Sebastopol goose may have originated in Crimea and were sent to England from Port Sevastopol. The breed was first recognized in England in 1860. By the late 19th century, the breed was found everywhere.
Sebastopol geese have been known by many names, including the Danubian goose, the curl goose, and Strupp Guns or Lockengans, which means “unkempt goose” for its curly feathers.
Sebastopol Goose Characteristics
The Sebastopol goose is a medium-sized goose with thick feathers. Due to the curly texture, the feathers of the goose look more voluminous than they actually are. The bird is fleshy and compact compared to other breeds, with a short back and a plump, oval basket. Its legs are short and well-muscled.
Whether for production or pet purposes, the Sebastopol goose is hardy and well-mannered. They’re friendly and quiet, making them a good choice for families or as ornamental pets. That said, this breed will still sound a honking alarm when it feels threatened. Due to its good nature, this goose makes a good surrogate for goslings of other species.
Uses
Many people keep Sebastopol geese for eggs or meat, but they don’t produce as much as chickens or other goose breeds. The average female only lays 25 or 35 eggs each year. The eggs are large and comparable to three or four chicken eggs. They’re also reliable layers.
Some people keep Sebastopol geese for meat, though they’re not used for this purpose commercially. Keepers only raise these geese for personal meat needs. Because of this, they’re more commonly kept as pets or show animals.
Sebastopol geese are versatile. While many are raised for eggs or meat, they’re excellent foragers. Some country clubs keep flocks of Sebastopol geese to maintain the lawn. They’ll also weed a hobby garden.
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Appearance & Varieties
Sebastopol geese are easy to identify based on their feathers, which are curly. Due to the curls in their feathers, these geese are primarily flightless. Most Sebastopol geese are white, but they can be gray, buff, saddleback, or gray-brown. The breast feathers may be smooth or frizzy.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of this goose is its blue eyes that stand out against its light feathers. Most of these geese also have elegant, rounded heads, long, slender, arched necks, and keelless breasts. Both the shanks and the legs are orange.
See also: Can You Keep a Swan as a Pet? What You Need to Know!
Population, Distribution & Habitat
Sebastopol geese are primarily domestic and found everywhere that fowl are kept. They’re forgiving of climate changes and suitable for cold areas, though their feathers don’t provide as much warmth as other breeds.
Despite their widespread use as a family or production goose on farms in the US and around the world, the breed is listed as threatened by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
Are Sebastopol Geese Good for Small-Scale Farming?
The Sebastopol goose is an ideal choice for small, hobby farming, but not commercial farming of any scale. The goose can produce small egg clutches once a year or small amounts of meat for personal use, but most keepers prefer Sebastopol geese for ornamental, pet, or show purposes.
The Sebastopol goose is a friendly, good-natured, and hardy goose breed known for its elegant appearance and unique, curly feathers. These geese are a good choice for family keepers to forage in gardens and as a fun and social pet.
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Featured Image Credit: Eliotte Rusty Harold, Shutterstock