Sebastopol Geese – Graceful and Unique

Ever wondered about getting geese but not sure what kind to get? To be honest, I’m a bit leery of geese, but Sebastopol geese made me take a second look.

This breed of geese seems to have stepped out of a fairy tale. With their unique white feathers gently curving like a fluffy could, and their sweet but shy demeanor – you might just fall in love with these whimsical wonders!

Let’s not waste any time and get right into the details of this lovely goose.

History Snippet

First of all, the name of this breed gives you a hint. Beyond that, there is not a huge amount of information about the history of this breed. Here is what The Livestock Conservancy has to say:

The Sebastopol goose originated in southeastern Europe, with sources pointing to the region around the Black Sea. They were named after Sebastopol, a Russian city from which they were imported to the US. In Germany, the birds have been known as “Strupp Guns” or “Lockengans” which means “unkempt goose” or “curl goose” due to the frizzled appearance of their feathers. The breed was developed from wild Graylag geese, which are native to Europe, and was recognized by The American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1938.

The Livestock Conservancy

They were also known in England as Danubian, and by the Spanish and Italians as Danubio. These names have something to do with the Danube River, but it’s still a bit of a mystery in relation to Sebastopol.

Over time, the breed found its way into many parts of the world, including North America, where it became quite popular. Through dedicated breeders, these geese have managed to survive and thrive.

Sebastopol Geese Appearance

The true allure of the Sebastopol geese is their unique appearance. Their most striking feature is their soft and fluffy white feathers that uniquely curl along their body, giving them a cloud-like, angelic appearance. These curly feathers are truly the most adorable part of their appearance.

Although they do look angelic, they can also look pretty unkempt and dirty if their fluffy white feathers meet the mud. However, they are pretty good at cleaning and grooming themselves, thankfully. This is especially true if they have a body of clean water to swim in. They are, of course, good swimmers.

Sebastopols are medium-sized geese with long slender necks. The males (ganders) weigh about 14 lbs. and females (geese) weigh approximately 12 lbs. when mature. They have large rounded heads, arched backs, and lovely orange webbed feet.

The curly feathers are on the main part of the body, but the vast majority of their necks have normal feathers. The breast feathers follow the curly pattern and show off well.

The fun feathers make for a unique look but they do prevent them from flying. They are not fast movers and don’t seem to have an interest in wandering so they are quite easy to keep in confinement if needed.

Another unique thing about these angelic inside-out feather pillows is their prominent eyes. Some of them have blue eyes and it’s a sight to behold.

They are hardy and can be raised in cold climates, but due to their floofy curly feathers (that don’t repel water well or provide much warmth), they need good protection during wet and cold winter weather (much like Frizzle chickens).

Are Sebastopol Goslings Born With Curly Feathers?

Nope. They don’t start to show their curl until 2 to 3 weeks old. As they grow, the curly effect increases as well. Another interesting thing is that they sometimes start with gray like feathers that turn into white.

Do They Come In Different Colors?

Yes. They come in gray and buff varieties, but the white variety is the most popular.

Temperament

One of the most endearing qualities of Sebastopol geese lies in their gentle and docile nature. Unlike some other goose breeds known for their aggressiveness, Sebastopols are notably friendly and easily approachable. This makes them wonderful additions to any backyard flock or family setting.

They enjoy the company of humans and other animals, and their calm disposition often extends to their interactions with children, making them excellent pets for families. They are excellent swimmers and love to have the opportunity.

Sebastopol’s are not aggressive, and they are friendly – but I wouldn’t go as far as to say they are lap geese. 😆 Their shy side keeps them from getting too close…unless you train them to follow you for treats. If you treat train them, be sure to offer treats that are nutritious as well. These are my favorites – check out the ingredient list and you will be impressed.

This breed tends to be excellent foragers which is nice. It keeps them happy, busy, and productive.

Sebastopol Geese Egg and Meat

While Sebastopol geese are primarily adored for their looks and temperament, they are not just all beauty and no substance. As contributors to the homestead, they offer some practical benefits too.

In terms of egg production, Sebastopols are reliable layers (for geese), providing a reasonable number of eggs throughout the year (if you consider 25-35 eggs per year reasonable, in the land of geese they are moderate layers). The eggs are typically large (much larger than chicken eggs) and have a rich flavor, making them prized additions to any kitchen. They lay white eggs.

Regarding meat production, Sebastopol geese do have some value, but it is not their primary purpose. Their meat is flavorful, lean, and appreciated by those who prefer a more distinctive taste compared to traditional poultry.

What Do Geese Eat?

Geese are grazers that eat things like stems, seeds, leaves, berries, and bulbs. They also eat insects of all kinds and some will eat aquatic plants as well.

Captive geese will likely need a high-protein feed as well. Be sure to pick one with excellent ingredients that aren’t packed with nonsense fillers. Need help? Try this one: 16% Premium Layer Feed With Black Soldier Fly Larvae, Fishmeal, & Herbs

Summary

As for Sebastopol geese, they are one of the most popular breeds in the goose world. You have to admit, they are a bit irresistible with their curly feathers and (possibly) blue eyes. Just be sure that you are ready for geese. They are different than chickens and ducks.

Did Someone Say Ducks?

Speaking of ducks, they are quite fun too. Check out some popular duck breeds in these articles we wrote.

• Call Ducks – Adorable, Miniature, Irresistible
• Runner Ducks 101
• Magpie Ducks – The James Bond of Ducks
• Cayuga Duck – Ultra Cool Duck Breed
• Pekin Duck – The Most Popular Duck of All
• Rouen Ducks – One of the World’s Largest Duck Breeds