The African Goose is a large, noble, and attractive breed of domestic goose that has captivated poultry keepers, backyard farmers, and hobbyists for generations. Despite its name, this breed is not from Africa. Its ancestry can be traced back to the wild Swan Goose (A. cygnoides).
The African goose is one of the largest domestic goose breeds, known for its docile temperament. They are easy to look after and enjoy grazing on grass. They also make good guards, and are noisy when surprised.
An African Goose
Origin and History
The name "African Goose" can be misleading, as the domestic goose breed has no confirmed links to the African continent. Their exact origin is still a mystery. These birds are believed to have arrived in North America on trade ships.
Historical studies show that the African Goose has been known by many names, and its origin has been attributed to many continents. It seems to have arrived in North America on ships that traveled around the world, leaving its exact origin ambiguous. What is believed is that the African is a relative of the Chinese goose, and that both descended from Asia’s wild Swan geese. African geese arrived in Europe in the late 1700s, and in North America in the mid-1800s; it has been identified as a specific breed since then.
Read also: Experience Fad's Fine African Cuisine
Despite their name, the African goose is thought to have originated in China. Both the African goose and Chinese goose are related and share some characteristics (such as color patterns). However, the two can be distinguished by the African's large dewlap and different knob shape. It is one of two domestic breeds that derive from the wild species Anser cygnoides, the other being the Chinese; all other domestic geese derive from Anser anser.
A flock of geese
Physical Characteristics
The African goose is a massive bird. Its heavy body, thick neck, stout bill, and jaunty posture give the impression of strength and vitality. The American standard of perfection, illustrated. The Poultry club standards, containing a complete description of all the recognised varieties of fowls, ducks, geese and turkeys, ed. by William W. Broomhead.
The African goose is one of the largest domestic goose breeds. Mature males (ganders) weigh between 20-22 lbs (9-10kg), while females are around 18 lbs (8kg). The large body is complemented by a wide body and a thick neck. Adult Gander - 20 lbs (9kg). Adult Goose - 18 lbs (8.2kg). Young Gander - 16 lbs (7.3kg).
A dome-like knob can be found above the bill, which is one of the breed’s most distinguishing features. It takes a few years to develop. African Geese, unlike some waterfowl species, are keelless. This means they do not have a prominent breastbone. The abdomen is smooth and rounded with little or no fat lobes.
Read also: The Story Behind Cachapas
The tail of the sandhill crane is pointing upward. The body is large and is carried at about 35° to the horizontal; the back is long and fairly flat, the breast and belly smooth and rounded. The tail is held above the back-line, particularly in ganders.
A mature African goose has a large knob attached to its forehead, which requires several years to develop. African geese can withstand considerable cold weather but need shelter to protect their knobs from frostbite. A smooth, crescent-shaped dewlap hangs from its lower jaw and upper neck. The dewlap may become ragged in shape as the bird ages. Its body is nearly as wide as it is long. It is keelless and has a smooth, rounded abdomen with little or no fatty lobe development. The tail points upward and folds up neatly.
Varieties
Two varieties of Africans are found in North America: the colored variety known as either Gray or Brown, and the White variety. The Poultry Club of Great Britain and the American Poultry Association recognise three color varieties: the grey or brown, the buff and the white.
- Brown African Goose: The plumage of the colored variety is a combination of browns, buffs, grays, and white. A dark brown stripe runs over the crown of the head and down the back of the neck. On mature birds, a narrow band of whitish feathers separates the satin-black bill and knob from the brown head. The legs and feet are dark orange to brownish orange. The Brown African was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874. The brown has wild-type plumage, with colors ranging from light to dark grey-brown (or light ash to dark slate), with black bill and knob and dark or brownish-orange shanks and feet.
- White African Goose: This bird has white feathers, orange knobs and a bill. The White African has pure white plumage, an orange bill and knob, and bright orange shanks and feet.
Brown and White African Geese
Dimorphism
The African Geese exhibit clear dimorphism. Females (Geese) are slightly smaller, and can develop a potbellied or paunchy look as they age. The honk of geese is usually deeper and shorter. It can be a single- or double-syllable. Females will often run away while honking when threatened.
Read also: Techniques of African Jewellery
Behavior and Temperament
African geese are known for their docile temperament. They are easy to look after and enjoy grazing on grass. They also make good guards, and are noisy when surprised. African geese are a long living breed that is docile and sociable in temperament, although the males can sometimes be aggressive in the breeding season.
Some ganders may be aggressive, but if African geese are socialized when they are young, they can be docile, pleasant birds with people. They are a loud breed, and not the best choice if you have close neighbors.
Goose Farming: A Complete Guide | Raising Geese for Meat, Egg and Feather Production Technology
Reproduction
African geese are not the best egg layers; they usually lay 20-40 extra-large, white eggs per year. Their eggs weigh 5-8 oz. and hatch in 30-32 days. Females lay around 40 eggs per year and do get broody.
Raising African Geese
This fast-growing breed is a good choice for a beginner. They are intelligent and inquisitive and will greet your arrival. African geese can withstand considerable cold weather but need shelter to protect their knobs from frostbite.
African geese are long-lived and will produce for many years under normal conditions. If well managed, they will reproduce in their first year.
To maintain the lean meat qualities of the African, males of all ages and young females kept for reproduction should be keelless and have only moderately full abdomens. Tails held in line with the back, or lower, are often an indication of physical weakness and low fertility in this breed. Avoid birds with narrow heads, slender necks, shallow bodies, drooping tails, pronounced keels, and baggy paunches that drag or touch the ground when the bird is standing. Quality breeding stock may seem expensive but are worth the investment.
Uses
The African goose produces high-quality, lean meat and is considered a premier roasting goose. Young ganders can weigh 16-18 lbs by the time they are 15-18 weeks old. Mature ganders weigh 22 lbs. Breeding stock should be selected for vigor, good reproductive traits, proper conformation, and body carriage of 30 to 40 degrees above horizontal.
They also make good guards, and are noisy when surprised.
