The African goose and the Chinese goose, though related and sharing some characteristics like color patterns, possess distinct differences. This article delves into these differences, covering their origins, physical attributes, and temperaments.
Chinese Goose
Origins and History
Despite their name, the African goose is thought to have originated in China. 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.
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. However the two can be distinguished by the African's large dewlap and different knob shape. African geese are also quite a bit heavier than Chinese.
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Two varieties of Africans are found in North America: the colored variety known as either Gray or Brown, and the White variety.
Plumage and Markings
African Goose
- Colored Variety: The plumage 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.
- White Variety: The White African has pure white plumage, an orange bill and knob, and bright orange shanks and feet.
Key Distinguishing Features
A mature African goose has a large knob attached to its forehead, which requires several years to develop. 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.
Temperament and Behavior
African geese are known for their docile temperament. They are intelligent and inquisitive and will greet your arrival. 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.
Brown Chinese Geese are an elegant, attractive, ornamental, gray variety that has become very popular for the farm goose flock. They are highly efficient foragers and maintain normal growth on a minimum amount of commercial feed. Many times they have been confused with African Geese, which are larger, and have a body carriage that is not as upright.
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Comparison Table: African Goose vs. Chinese Goose
For a quick overview of the key differences, refer to the table below:
| Feature | African Goose | Chinese Goose |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | China | China |
| Size | Heavier | Lighter |
| Dewlap | Large, prominent | Smaller or absent |
| Knob | Large | Smaller |
| Temperament | Docile, can be loud | Efficient foragers |
Practical Considerations
African geese can withstand considerable cold weather but need shelter to protect their knobs from frostbite. 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.
If well managed, they will reproduce in their first year. 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. This fast-growing breed is a good choice for a beginner.
Breeding stock should be selected for vigor, good reproductive traits, proper conformation, and body carriage of 30 to 40 degrees above horizontal. “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. African geese are long-lived and will produce for many years under normal conditions.
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