Shetland versus Pilgrim

[jadeduck13]

Hey! I am trying to decide on a breed of geese for our family farm in Ohio. So far I'm sort of narrowed down to the Pilgrim and the Shetland. Which is better? I know that the Shetland is super hardy and forages a lot, but is very rare and hard to find. And then the Pilgrim.... fairly rare is all I know. Which is better for cold and snowy areas, really hot summers, and which has better temperament, egg production, meat, etc? Will I be able to get 100% pure bred Shetlands or are they too rare here? Need some breeders that keep to the APA's Standards of Perfection (or just have almost every single characteristic correct, good lines of geese, not crossbred)- NOT interested in hatcheries!!!
Thank you!
Lexie

 

[Alaskan]

Th Shetland breed is more historical, and it really needs breeders.

Holderread is wonderful, you can talk to him about what kind of traits you are looking for, and he can tell you if the Shetland would be a good fit.


http://www.holderreadfarm.com/photogallery/shetland_page/shetland_page.htm

 

[mominoz]

I have had both.I used to have some Pilgrims. Nice birds , medium sized.I presently have Shetlands as I wish to breed and try to preserve them. I got mine from Holderreads.I ordered twice , first time 5, straight run. Only one female...and I lost 4 of the 5, 2 probably to Botulism or maybe West Nile.... I lost another one later, unknown cause, weakened and died. I ordered 3 pair, lost another male....sigh .But I hatched one baby out of yearlings last year. So now I have 3 pair. They are smaller than Pilgrims,maybe 7-8 lbs. They are beautiful birds, good foragers ,if you have good grass, mine is a bit tough, so I found I need to suppliment grain and some pellets... I really like the Shetlands...my females are very friendly, one of my gandars was very friendly...and another is a bit of a bully....so they have a whole range of personalities.