Sebastopol goose

White Sebastopol goose

The Sebastopol is a breed of domestic goose, descended from the European graylag.[1] First exhibited in England in 1860 under the name 'Sebastopol goose';[2] they were also referred to as Danubian geese; a name first used for the breed in Ireland in 1863.[3] 'Danubian' was used as a synonym in the 19th century; and only given precedence by Edward Brown after the turn of the 19th century.[4] 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.[5][6] 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.[7] 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.[8][9] They need plenty of water to keep themselves clean, and to clean their sinuses (as do all waterfowl).[10]

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.[11][12] However, it is documented that the birds were originally met with in the Crimea and sent from the port of Sevastopol, as the name implies, and arrived in England in 1860.[2][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]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Holderread (1981) p.24
  2. 1 2 The Field (1860) pp.348-9
  3. ↑ Journal of Hortuculture (1863) p.58
  4. ↑ Brown (1906)p.186
  5. ↑ Ashton (1999) p.33
  6. ↑ Holderread (1981) p.38
  7. ↑ Holderread (1981) p.25
  8. ↑ Holderread (1981) p.19
  9. ↑ Luttmann (1978) p.38
  10. ↑ Domestic Waterfowl Club Sebastopol article
  11. ↑ Wright (1885) pp. 570-572
  12. ↑ Tegetmeier and Weir (1867) pp.315-316
  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
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