Sebastopol geese are medium-sized, and they tend to be a mild-mannered
breed (as long as they are not teased or mistreated). What makes them unique
is their appearance. They grow long draping, curling feathers on their backs,
wings, and tails. The white variety has orange bills, orange feet, and bright,
blue eyes. Having stiff, flight feathers that stick out straight from the body
is considered a serious fault. The gander weighs approximately twelve to fourteen
pounds, whereas the goose weighs ten to twelve pound. Sebastopols originated
in Europe, in the areas of the Danube River and the Black Sea.
Care and Feeding - Not only should fresh water be available for drinking,
but geese need to be able to dunk their heads in water. A small plastic wading
pool works well to help the geese stay nicely groomed. Emptying out the dirty
water and replacing it with clean water on a daily basis is recommended. Purina
Duck Chow is a high quality feed that will provide geese with their proper nutritional
needs.
Life Expectancy - According to Dave Holderread, "When protected from
predators and accidental deaths, it is not uncommon for geese to live fifteen
to twenty years. Normally, domestic geese reach peak egg production during their
third, fourth, and fifth years, and ganders are the most fertile between the
ages of two and five."
Egg Incubation Period - In "The Book of Geese: A Complete
Guide to Raising the Home Flock" The typical incubation period for goose
eggs is twenty-nine to thirty-one days."
