Sebastopol Goose

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White Sebastopol Goose. Image by Owlmonkey
White Sebastopol Goose. Image by Owlmonkey

The Sebastopol is a breed of domestic goose, descended from the European Graylag.[1] They were also referred to as Danubian geese, the preferred name in 19th century Britain.[2] 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.[3][4] 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.[5]

Though geese generally retain some flight ability, Sebastopols cannot fly well due to the curliness of their feathers and have difficulty getting of the ground.[6][7] They need plenty of water in order to keep themselves clean, and to clean their sinuses.[8]

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

Contents

[edit] History

The breed was developed in Central Europe along the Danube and the Black Sea.[9][10] It's not known if the birds originated in the port of Sevastopol, Ukraine as the name implies, 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.[11] They were originally bred to use their curly feathers in pillows and quilts.[12]

[edit] Breeding

Breeding over the last hundred years has increased the average weight of the birds by thirty percent.[13] It is best to avoid breeding two specimens both having curly breast feathers, as they may develop abnormal wings.[citations needed]

[edit] See also

[edit] Gallery

Sebastopol Goose and Goslings

White Gosling

White and Gray Goslings

Rare saddleback color scheme

Close up of saddleback back coloring

Two white Sebastopol's

[edit] References

  1. ^ Holderread (1981) p.24
  2. ^ Ashton (1999) p.32
  3. ^ Ashton (1999) p.33
  4. ^ Holderread (1981) p.38
  5. ^ Holderread (1981) p.25
  6. ^ Holderread (1981) p.19
  7. ^ Luttmann (1978) p.38
  8. ^ Domestic Waterfowl Club Sebastopol article
  9. ^ Wright (1885) pp. 570-572
  10. ^ Tegetmeier and Weir (1867) pp.315-316
  11. ^ Ashton (1999) p.32
  12. ^ Kear and Hulme (2005) pp.6-7
  13. ^ Ashton (1999) pp.32-33