Toulouse Goose
Breed Origin: The Toulouse Goose is one of the oldest domesticated geese breeds and is named after the city of Toulouse in southwestern France. It is believed that the breed descended from wild grey geese, which were domesticated by the Romans and further developed by the monks of the Abbey of Saint-Germain-des-Prés in the Middle Ages.
Uses: Toulouse Geese are mainly kept as ornamental birds and for exhibition purposes. They are also kept for their meat, as they are one of the largest domesticated goose breeds.
Large Fowl: Yes, Toulouse Geese are considered a large fowl breed.
Weight: The average weight of a Toulouse Gander (male) is around 9-10 kg, while the average weight of a Toulouse Goose (female) is around 7-8 kg.
Cockerel: The male Toulouse Goose is called a "Gander."
Hen colour: Toulouse Geese have plumage that is usually grey or grey-blue with a white abdomen.
Egg Colour: Toulouse Geese lay eggs that are white or cream in color.
Average Egg Weight: The average weight of a Toulouse Goose egg is around 170-200 grams.
Egg Quantity: Toulouse Geese are not prolific layers, with hens laying around 20-40 eggs per year.
Note: It's important to note that the weights and egg production numbers can vary depending on the individual bird and other factors such as diet, environment, and breeding.
Toulouse geese are a popular domesticated breed that are often raised for their meat, eggs, and feathers. These geese originated in the Toulouse region of southwestern France, and were first imported to North America in the early 19th century.
Appearance:
Toulouse geese are large, heavy birds that can weigh up to 10-12 kg for males and 7-9 kg for females. They have a plump, rounded body with a broad, flattened breast, and their legs and feet are often a bluish-grey color. Toulouse geese have a greyish-blue plumage with a white underbelly, and their feathers are often used in down bedding.
Temperament:
Toulouse geese are known for their calm, docile temperament, which makes them a popular choice for backyard flocks. They are also very social birds, and thrive when kept in pairs or groups.
Uses:
Toulouse geese are a popular breed for meat production, as they grow quickly and have a high meat-to-bone ratio. They are also good egg layers, producing up to 50-60 eggs per year, although their egg size is smaller compared to other breeds. Additionally, Toulouse geese are used for their feathers, which are highly valued in the bedding industry.
Housing and Care:
Toulouse geese require adequate space to roam and graze, as well as access to clean water for swimming and bathing. They also need protection from predators, as they can be vulnerable to attacks from dogs, foxes, and other animals. Toulouse geese can be housed in a variety of structures, including barns, coops, or free-range setups, as long as they have sufficient shelter from extreme weather conditions.
In terms of diet, Toulouse geese can thrive on a diet of grasses, grains, and commercial poultry feed. They also require access to grit, which helps them to digest their food properly.
Overall, Toulouse geese are a popular and valuable breed that can provide both meat and eggs, as well as feathers for bedding. With proper care and management, these birds can make a great addition to a backyard flock or farm.
