Geese Breed Focus - African

[sumi]

African geese actually didn't originate from Africa, but descended from the Swan goose in Southeast Asia. They are very close relatives of the Chinese goose, and some even assert that they are crosses between Swan geese and Chinese geese. Though they share some similar characteristics (such as colour variations), the two can be distinguished by the African's larger dewlap and different knob shape. African geese are also quite a bit heavier than Chinese, and are better known for their docile temperaments.

African geese appear in three color varieties: Brown, Buff and White. Browns have black bills and knobs, and plumage with irregular shades, from a very light to dark brown. Whites have all-white plumage and orange bills and knobs.

The breed was admitted to the APA SOP in 1874. The Brown / Grey was standardized in the UK in 1982, the Buff in 1999 and the White in 1982.

Details:

Purpose: Meat production (Often crossed to Toulouse)
Egg laying: 25-40 eggs annually
Colours/Varieties: Buff, Brown/Grey, White
Weight: Males - 22-28 lb; Females - 18-24 lb


Pic by @Ivy061


Pic by @Iain Utah


Pic by @Jen C


Pic by @roboboy

BYC Breed Reviews:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/products/african

BYC Breed Discussion Threads:

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/580809/dewlap-african-geese-post-pics/0_30
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/533413/the-african-and-chinese-goose-thread/0_30


Do you own African geese? Are you an African geese breeder? If so, please reply to this thread with the your thoughts and experiences, including:

· What made you decide to get this breed?
· Do you own them for fun? Breeding? Some other purpose?
· What are your favorite characteristics about this breed?
· Post some pics of your birds; male/female, chicks, eggs, etc!

 

[LeBlackbird]

I've had two africans, both from Metzer (the regular, not the super africans). I've always wanted geese as pets, but wanted a breed that was docile, quirky, funny and generally a joy to see in the yard. My ladies have been sweet as pie to me and everyone that visits. I love their funky voices! Neither of mine are particularly brave, so I wouldn't really consider my ladies good guard geese, but I never regretted getting them. They're absolutely lovely

Nonalee




Willow

 

[Peep_Show]

Many years ago I received a pair of African geese as a Valentine's Day present. They were beautiful AND people-friendly. (The emden geese I had were agressive and the male was named Atilla for good reason)

 

[macgro7]

Who said they are cross between Chinese and Swan goose? Both Chinese and African are separate breeds descended from the wild Swan goose.
There are dozens of other breeds which are also descended from the Swan goose, most of them come from China some also from Russia and eastern Europe.
They are called "African" because in 16th and 17th centuries everything foreign was called "African" or Turkish, e.g. turkey (the bird originally from Northern America), Guinea pig (Guinea is a country is west Africa but guinea pigs come from Peru in south america).

 

[macgro7]

macgro7   Thank you for clarifications.  To add to that list, Corn, Potato, amongst many others..

Sorry, what do you mean? I only mentioned things which are known by names of places from which they don't actually come from.
Btw fighting breeds of geese are results of crossing between African type geese (Swan goose descendents) and ones that come from Greylag, e.g. Steinbacher or Tula. So it's not actually the African which have been crossed with the weighting geese - it's exactly the opposite!

 

[macgro7]

Are Africans good broodies?

The do go broody but some people say that because of their size they can break the eggs - never happened to me though.

 

[Momma Jo]

I have recently bought 5 (2 males 3 females) African Geese and 1 Embden female goose. I already have chickens and ducks too just always thought it’d be fun to have geese too! I was so looking fed to eating big eggs and incubating them! But unfortunately after having them a month now I have only found 1 egg! I am hoping they are just hiding them and I will find them soon! Otherwise I’m thinking they are too stressed out with my other flocks of ducks and chickens! They don’t like anyone near them and honk at everything!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Breeding and egg laying season is just about or is over for geese. They breed and lay starting in late winter and lay usually up till June. Then they will molt and be their docile selves until the next winter. They really have a hard time with changes too so give them another month and they will probably be apart of the flock of ducks and chickens, They sure are pretty. @Momma Jo

 

[Amiga]

Just fabulous animals!!!!

 

[Miss Lydia]

Beautiful geese.