Pomeranian goose

Pomeranian goose

Description

The Pomeranian goose is an old German breed of domestic goose descended from the wild greylag. It is a medium-to-large breed, with ganders weighing around 6 to 8 kg and geese a little less. The best-known form is the saddleback, a white bird with grey or buff patches on the head and back, though solid white and solid grey birds also exist. Its reddish-orange bill and legs are striking, and unlike many breeds it carries only a single lobe of skin on the belly rather than a double one.

Habitat

A domesticated breed kept on farms and smallholdings, mainly across Central and Northern Europe. It does best on grassy pasture with access to a pond or other water where it can bathe and forage.

Diet

It grazes mostly on grass and herbs but also takes grain, vegetables and aquatic plants. Like most geese it is an excellent forager and finds much of its own food out on the range.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place in spring. A goose lays roughly 10 to 15 large white eggs and incubates them for about 28 to 31 days. Pairs bond strongly and both parents help raise the goslings.

Lifespan

Usually 15 to 20 years, occasionally longer.

Did you know?

In Germany it is traditionally tied to the 'Martinsgans', the roast goose eaten on St. Martin's Day; today it is also listed as an endangered livestock breed.