The Sebastopol is a breed of domestic goose, descended from the European Greylag goose.Holderread (1981) p.24 First exhibited in England in 1860 under the name 'Sebastopol goose';The Field (1860) pp.348-9 they were also referred to as Danubian geese, a name first used for the breed in Ireland in 1863.Journal of Horticulture (1863) p.58 'Danubian' was used as a synonym in the 19th century; and only given precedence by Edward Brown after the turn of the 19th century.Brown (1906)p.186 The Sebastopol is a medium-sized goose with long, white curly feathers. The feathers of the neck are smooth and sometimes greyish brown. Crosses have produced all-grey, buff, and saddle back variants.Ashton (1999) p.33Holderread (1981) p.38 Feathers on the breast may be curly (frizzle) or smooth. The gander weighs 12-14 lbs while the goose weighs 10-12 lbs. The legs and shanks are orange and the eyes bright blue. Grey and buff coloured Sebastopol have brown eyes. On average, females produce 25-35 eggs per year.Holderread (1981) p.25 Though domesticated breeds of geese generally retain some flight ability, Sebastopols cannot fly well due to the curliness of their feathers and have difficulty getting off the ground.Holderread (1981) p.19Luttmann (1978) p.38 They need plenty of water to keep themselves clean, and to clean their sinuses (as do all waterfowl).Domestic Waterfowl Club Sebastopol article
In German, they are called Lockengans or Struppgans, meaning "curl-goose" and "unkempt goose".
History
It has been stated the breed was developed in Central Europe along the Danube and the Black Sea.Wright (1885) pp. 570-572Tegetmeier and Weir (1867) pp.315-316 However, it is documented that the birds were originally met with in the Crimea and sent from the port of Sevastopol, as the name implies, and arrived in England in 1860.Illustrated London News (1860) p.231 By the 19th century they were found in all the countries surrounding the Black Sea. The alternate name Danubian reflected their prevalence around the river Danube.Ashton (1999) p.32 They were originally bred to use their curly feathers in pillows and quilts.Kear and Hulme (2005) pp.6-7
Breeding
Breeding over the last hundred years has increased the average weight of the birds by thirty per cent.Ashton (1999) pp.32-33 This occurred in America due to matings with Embden Geese made in the late 19th century.Weir (1904) p.1111
See also List of goose breeds Embden Geese Toulouse Geese
Gallery
References
Ashton, Chris (1999) Domestic Geese Brown, Edward (1906) Races of Domestic Poultry Pub. Edward Arnold. London. Holderread, Dave (1981) The Book of Geese: a Complete Guide to Raising the Home Flock Journal of Horticulture (1863) 13 January. Pub.London. Kear, Janet and Hulme, Mark (2005) Ducks, Geese and Swans Luttmann, Gail and Rick (1978) Ducks & Geese in your Backyard Robinson, John H. (1912) Principles and Practice of Poultry Culture Tegetmeier, William Bernhard and Weir, Harrison (1867). The Poultry Book: Comprising the Breeding and Management of Profitable and Ornamental Poultry, their Qualities and Characteristics Weir, Harrison; Johnson, W.G.; Brown, G.O. (1904) The Poultry Book. Pub. Doubleday, Page & Co. New York Wright, Lewis (1885) Book of Poultry Domestic Waterfowl Club Sebastopol article