Geese again

[greathorse]

I am seriously considerng getting some of the Giant Dewlap Touluse from Holderreads. I saw some this summer at a show and was very taken with them.

Does anyone on here have these awesome looking geese? Anyone need to talk me out of this. They are very expensive and that gives me some pause. Is it true they need water to breed and if so how much. Will they breed in a large tank for example or do I need a lake or pond or some such?
Thanks for any help. I am going to get a couple pilgrims as well. Also if there is a breeder on BYC that is good let me know. I have heard that HOlderreads is one of the top breeders.

 

[mothergoose1963]

I have them in gray and buff.

Look at the photo album at www.fancygeese.com There are several pictures on the album page.
I also sent you an email.

 

[chickenma]

Are you sure you want some. They can make a lot of noise.
They are good watch geese though.

 

[Beekissed]

I'm getting some Toulouse in the spring as well. Do they need water in which to breed?

 

[greyfields]

No. They will mate out of water (usually in a mud puddle). They just won't breed as successfully and you'll have low fertility. It's very ritualistic how they bathe then mount.

 

[Beekissed]

Small stock tank of water big enough?

 

[greyfields]

I have 15 gallon waterers spread about the farm. They do mate in them and bathe regularly in them if there isn't enough water in the ditches/sloughes.

 

[greathorse]

Quote:
Will you be getting the giant dewlap or the more standard touluse? Where will you be ordering them from? The dewlaps seem to be a bit rare.

The noise is not an issue for me (I dont think) I would igagine they sleep at night? I have a large rural property so noise is not problem for neighbors etc. They are very nice looking birds.


I am looking forward to the pilgrims as well.

 

[Beekissed]

I'm just getting the regular Toulouse and some of the usual hatcheries have them for around $8-$9 a piece. The dewlaps are nice, but I'm getting geese for grazing my orchard and to harvest the down, so I don't need the dewlap ornament!