Tufted Buff Goslings

Tufted Buff Goslings for sale

Goslings hatching March to June.

The Buff Tufted Roman Goose is a substantial goose that is both graceful and friendly. They are vocal in response to strangers but otherwise quiet. It is compatible with companion, decorative and meat goals. They appreciate having a pond to splash around in. Because it is not yet recognized by the American Poultry Association, it is ineligible for most exhibition awards.

Production: They are medium geese weighing 14 to 18 pounds, larger than Tufted Roman Geese,which are in the light goose class at a maximum of 12 pounds. Ideally, they should have the same type as the white variety: the same size, with a medium-length neck, a fat head and a short, stout beak. "It should be small, stocky, rounded plump little goose," said James Konecny, president of the International Waterfowl Breeders Association and experienced waterfowl judge. Good egg production and fertility. They are active and sociable with people and other geese. They retain the ability to fly and their frequent flapping occasionally gets them airborne. The light feather color makes the carcass dress out well.

History: The Buff Tufted Roman goose is the result of crossing the Buff Goose with the Tufted Roman Goose. The birds retain the desirable qualities of Tufted Roman geese combined with the buff color. The process wasn't a one-time cross. It required selective breeding to achieve the Tufted Roman conformation in a buff-colored bird. Ruth Book of Book Farms in Granby, Missouri is credited with its development. Metzer Farms in California purchased her entire breeding stock with the intention of continuing her work. Purely Poultry's Buff Tufted Roman Geese come from this stock. Andrea Heesters of The Netherlands bought some from Metzer Farms and continues to breed them. She finds them affectionate and loyal. "They are curious and talkative and can be very opinionated, although in a nice way," she says "They are vigilant when they see strangers and make quite a lot of noise at that moment but, in general, they are quiet geese and certainly not noisy." Their curiosity can lead them into adventures. Mrs. Heesters reports that "One of our ganders, Jules, found it extremely interesting to see how we opened the gate and stood there a few times watching us intensely. A few days later, Jules opened the gate himself!"

She also finds they enjoy flapping their wings. "Particularly after the molt, when they realize that they have all their feathers back, they will run around at full speed and flap their wings. They can accidentally fly over the fence and land in the middle of another group. We are then called loudly for help."

Colors: Buff plumage is a soft fawn with a rich golden cast without reddish tint or fading to pale yellow. Back darker than breast and sides, almost white on the abdomen. Tail feathers are buff and white. The feet, legs and bill are pinkish red rather than orange. Orange feet, legs and bill are acceptable but undesirable.

Status: Too new to be recognized by poultry exhibition organizations. Breeders may apply for recognition and hold the required meets to establish the Buff Tufted Roman as a recognized variety.

Body Type: Substantial body with a single lobe. Medium length neck, broad, deep and full breast. Toes are straight and well-webbed. The tuft consists of feathers only, not a knob such as is found on China and African geese. Feathers behind the eyes stand up, making a distinctive tuft. Judge Konecny envisions the variety able to achieve Tufted Roman type in five to ten years of careful breeding under the guidance of an experienced breeder.

Average Mature Weight: They are medium-size geese, weighing 14-18 pounds at maturity.

Classification: unrecognized by poultry organizations.