Kholmogory

Kholmogory

Description

The Kholmogory is one of the oldest and largest of the Russian goose breeds. Sturdy ganders reach 10 to 12 kg and geese 7 to 9 kg. Its hallmarks are a prominent knob at the base of the bill and a folded dewlap of skin under the throat; the plumage is usually white or grey-and-white pied.

Habitat

This is not a wild species but a domesticated breed kept on farms and smallholdings around the world. It was developed in the Kholmogory district of northern Russia and, like all domestic geese, descends from the wild greylag goose (Anser anser). Its hardiness lets it cope well with cold, harsh conditions.

Diet

A grazing herbivore feeding on grass, clover and other green plants, supplemented with grains, cereals and vegetables. On good pasture it can gather much of its own food simply by grazing.

Reproduction

A goose usually lays around 15 to 40 eggs over a season and incubates them for roughly 28 to 30 days. The breed is fairly prolific, and the parents attentively lead and defend their goslings.

Lifespan

Domestic geese are long-lived birds, commonly reaching 15 to 20 years and sometimes more with good care.

Did you know?

The forehead knob and throat dewlap that distinguish this breed develop fully only with age, so an older gander looks noticeably more imposing and 'ornamented' than a young bird.