Sebastopol Goose

White Sebastopol Goose

The Sebastopol is a breed of domestic goose, descended from the European Graylag.^[1] They were also referred to as Danubian geese; a name first used for the breed in Ireland in 1863. ^[2] 'Danubian' was used as a synonym in the 19th century; and only given precedence by Edward Brown after the turn of the century.^[3] 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.^[4][5] 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.^[6]. Though domesticated breeds of geese generally retain some flight ability, Sebastopols cannot fly well due to the curliness of their feathers and have difficulty getting off the ground.^[7][8] They need plenty of water in order to keep themselves clean, and to clean their sinuses (as do all waterfowl).^[9]

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

History

It has been stated the breed was developed in Central Europe along the Danube and the Black Sea.^[10][11] However, it is known the birds were originally met with in the Crimea and sent from the port of Sevastopol, Ukraine as the name implies, and arrived in England in 1860.^[12][13] By the 19th century they were found in all the countries surrounding the Black Sea. The alternate name Danubian reflected their prevalence around the river Danube.^[14] They were originally bred to use their curly feathers in pillows and quilts.^[15]

Breeding

Breeding over the last hundred years has increased the average weight of the birds by thirty percent.^[16] This occurred in America due to matings with Embden Geese made in the late 19th century.^[17]It is best to avoid breeding two specimens both having curly breast feathers, as they may develop abnormal wings.^{[citation needed]}

See also

• List of goose breeds
• Embden Geese
• Toulouse Geese

Gallery

• 

  Sebastopol Goose and Goslings

• 

  White Gosling

• 

  White and Blue Goslings

• 

  Rare saddleback color scheme

• 

  Close up of saddleback back coloring

• 

  Two white Sebastopols

References

1. ^ Holderread (1981) p.24
2. ^ Journal of Hortuculture (1863) p.58
3. ^ Brown (1906)p.186
4. ^ Ashton (1999) p.33
5. ^ Holderread (1981) p.38
6. ^ Holderread (1981) p.25
7. ^ Holderread (1981) p.19
8. ^ Luttmann (1978) p.38
9. ^ Domestic Waterfowl Club Sebastopol article
10. ^ Wright (1885) pp. 570-572
11. ^ Tegetmeier and Weir (1867) pp.315-316
12. ^ The Field (1860) pp.348-9
13. ^ Illustrated London News (1860) p.231
14. ^ Ashton (1999) p.32
15. ^ Kear and Hulme (2005) pp.6-7
16. ^ Ashton (1999) pp.32-33
17. ^ Weir (1904) p.1111

• Ashton, Chris (1999) Domestic Geese ISBN 1-86126-271-X
• Brown,Edward (1906) Races of Domestic Poultry Pub. Edward Arnold. London.
• Holderread, Dave (1981) The Book of Geese: a Complete Guide to Raising the Home Flock ISBN 0-93134-202-3
• Journal of Horticulture (1863) 13th January. Pub.London.
• Kear, Janet and Hulme, Mark (2005) Ducks, Geese and Swans ISBN 0-19854-645-9
• Luttmann, Gail and Rick (1978) Ducks & Geese in your Backyard ISBN 0-87857-224-4
• Robinson, John H. (1912) Principles and Practice of Poultry Culture
• Tegetmeier, William Bernhard and Weir, Harrison (1867) The Poultry Book: Comprising the Breading and Management of Profitable and Ornamental Poultry their Qualities and Characteristics
• Weir, Harrison, Johnson,W.G., Brown G.O.(1904)The Poultry Book. Pub. Doubleday, Page & Co. New York
• Wright, Lewis (1885) Book of poultry
• Domestic Waterfowl Club Sebastopol article
• Feathersite web site Sebastopol article

External links