Toulouse goose

Toulouse goose

Description

The Toulouse goose is one of the heaviest domestic goose breeds, developed around the city of Toulouse in south-western France. Calm and slow-moving, it wears grey plumage and, in exhibition strains, a pronounced dewlap beneath the bill and a deep abdominal keel. It is kept for meat, liver and ornament.

Habitat

A domestic breed derived from the wild greylag goose. It lives on farmyards, smallholdings and in breeding collections with access to grass, shallow water and shelter.

Diet

A herbivore that grazes grass and herbs, supplemented with grain, vegetables and pellets; it needs small grit to help digestion.

Reproduction

A goose lays roughly 20 to 40 large white eggs a year, with incubation lasting about 30 days. Heavy exhibition strains are less fertile and often struggle to hatch eggs naturally.

Lifespan

Usually 15 to 20 years, occasionally longer.

Did you know?

The fatty liver of Toulouse geese was historically a foundation of French foie gras, and the heaviest show birds carry such a deep dewlap that they are nicknamed giant Toulouse geese.