chinese geese
History
The Chinese Goose is a breed descended from the wild Swan Goose. hence their name Anser Cygnoides. Historic names include "Hong Kong ,Knob Fronted, Chinese Swan Goose and Spanish Geese" see Tegetmeir where both colours are described in detail. Chinese geese differ from the wild birds in much larger size (up to 5-10 kg in males, 4-9 kg in females), and in having an often strongly developed basal knob on the upper side of the bill. The knob at the top of the beak is more prominent on males than females. By 6–8 weeks of age, the knob is already pronounced enough that it can be used for sexing. Chinese geese are a close cousin of the African goose, a heavier breed also descended from the Swan Goose they also differ from other breeds having more neck vertabrae
Brown / Grey Variety, Brown bill and eyes, orange legs. Body feathers are brown and lighter on the underside of the bird.
White Variety, Bright orange bill and legs, blue eyes and pure white body feathers.
Meat Production: Egg Production: Will lay at least 50 eggs in a season (about 100 known) , and because of this are ideal for crossing with other breeds, having a better bone/meat ratio than the others and a leaner carcase with little or no fat . They also often lay twice per year in Autumn and Spring although the occasional daft female has laid consistently for months
Notes: These geese are meant to be the most suitable 'watchdog ' being the chattiest breed with a curiosity unrivaled by other breeds . They can occasionally take a violent dislike to people.(....... my late husband can vouch for this !.... painfully), but this is generally when on guard duty for a broody female and luckily seasonal. Very good and tolerant with small children with a penchant for the sweet sugary breakfast cereals and the sweeter fruits
Chinese Geese;
Names d'Oies de Chine in France/Belgium
Country Of Origin;. ........ China ...........old name "China Goose" or "Swan Goose"
Carriage; This variety is smaller than others and is distinguishable from other geese by the knob or protuberance on its head.
Purpose;... .......Eggs..Meat...Broody...a good utility goose
Egg Colour; ..................... eggs white
Egg Numbers .............at least 50 eggs in a season (about 100 known)
Breed Defects. . . . . .dewlap, lack of 'knob' on head
Incubation: . . . . . . .28 - 34 days.
Breed Hints.... Chinese geese go broody easily and are generally better layers Incubation: 28 - 34 days. If children are present always buy well handles stock as the geese are terrified of small humans
Weights; 6 kg Goose, 5.5 kg
Breed Tip They are succeptible to severe cold and have been recorded as getting frostbite and burns on their facial knob . They are also very keen as a breed to take on small yappy dogs and for the dogs own protection keep them away especially at breeding time when ganders attack on sight.........Poodles and Chihouhuas for preference as their call is similar to the Fox.
Flying .can fly, rarely flies a good back garden all rounder;
male below is 24 yrs +. . he now does not chase females they sit and wait for him!
Breeders:Tom Davis, Essex 07969 246 455
Dianne Farthing, Suffolk 01359 230 805
Denise Moss, Pembrokeshire 01437 563 309
Both colours
Sandra Watson, Somerset 01458 241 719
Hicks Waterfowl World, Shropshire 01691 655 635
Both colours http://www.waterfowlworld.co.uk/
Ros King, Wiltshire 01747 870 048
Both colours
http://www.feathersite.com/Poultry/Geese/BRKChinas.html
