White Danish Geese (aka-Legarth Geese)

[adrian]

I really don't know if there is much difference between a white danish and embden goose... They serve the same purpose...

"This goose is ideal for meat production due to it's large size and rapid growth. it's white feathers make it more eye appealing when dressed, and the feathers are great for pillows. The white Danish goose can reach weights up 25 lbs. live at maturity."

Embden geese can get up to about 26 pounds. They grow rapidly and are ideal for meat and feathers. They are also white and extremely similar in every way. So why is this goose special?

 

[OSUman]

Ok the i have a comparison

Do they Look the same?

 

[adrian]

Well, I know they are technically not the same, but the differences are so slight...
They sort of remind me of pilgrim males, although obviously larger.

I did hear they were related to the romans; does that mean their temperament would be better than embdens' as well? Their feathers also seem different... Quite nice geese. I know of Berg's hatchery and I am in Canada. Is there any way I could help you get them?

 

[OSUman]

If you are by the border to canada then you could because heres what the USDA has to have don to them in order for import.
Quote:
Also if you have them if you could mail eggs i could hatch them and that would be better.

 

[adrian]

I am by the border - in southern Saskatchewan.

I don't understand what that infers, as I don't have the birds myself. But I'm sure I could contact the hatchery, order birds from them and get them to you that way. Or hatch eggs for you. I think shipping from two locations would be painful for eggs...

If I can get more specifics, I'd be glad to help you.

Oh, and... If they require a health certificate from a vet, could I ask that the hatchery have their birds checked, for a fee? Would you be willing to pay for something like that?

 

[wildwitchy]

My two babies are legarth geese (Norfolk geese). They originally came from denmark. They are very similar to embdens - A large goose where as romans are smaller..

I don't know if they will send fertile eggs out to you..

http://www.norfolkgeese.co.uk/index.html

There is also a supplier in denmark for legarth geese (danish geese).

http://www.legarth-geese.dk/

Hope this helps..

Sharon. x

 

[goosedragon]

I think you will find that Legarth geese are just a improvement on other white geese. Not really a different breed The Legarth is bred for the commercial market in Northern Europe as they put on weight faster and can reach market size in less time (and less feed) than the unimproved breeds. I think there is also a Legarth version of the pekin duck with the same claims. If these features are important to you it might be worth the effort to get them, but don't get the ideal that this is a old Danish breed as it has only been around for about 20 years.

 

[wildwitchy]

Yes, my goslings are bred purely for the commercial meat/egg sector only. They do put on weight & grow at an astonishing rate. I feel I can almost see my goslings growing!

I don't think they are a special/pedigree breed as such. They are similar to embdens.

if you buy them in april/may as goslings they will be ready for the table at xmas according to the write up.

My 2 are pets & for eggs though.

 

[goosedragon]

Quote:
The market for geese is very weak here in the US. On the other hand the traditional UK market for geese starts on Michelmass day (september 29 I think) as green geese, so being ready for the table at xmass doesn't seem to be much of an advantage unless you want a really big bird.

 

[wildwitchy]

Yes thats right goosedragon. Even though they may be ready to eat at michelmass, generally a goose is ordered for yule. At one time the turkey was always eaten but now I think the goose is gaining ground too here because of the way they are naturally raised free range/open pasture etc. Many people are becoming more aware of where their food is coming from and wanting good food which has been raised & produced well.

See here for more info.

http://www.geese.cc/index.html

As for having a big bird - I think that is what people want. Why I don't know. Cost / cooking? At yule if you leave it too late all the big turkeys have gone from the shops. I just have 2 smaller ones sometimes.