"White Chinese Goose" (Anser cygnoides)

	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	"Sad" to see us go... Photograph by © Snow W. Frost
	Photograph by © Snow W. Frost

The Chinese goose originates from China, and is related to the African goose. They are the smallest of the common domestic geese and are often referred to as "Swan Geese" because of their carriage and grace. Chinese have been known to lay large quantities of eggs...over 100 in a year! A distinguising characteristic of Chinese is the knob on top of their head - which is typically larger in males.

These geese are the most suitable "watchdog" being the chattiest breed with a curiosity unrivaled by other breeds . They can occasionally take a violent dislike to people, but this is generally when on guard duty for a broody female.

Appearance: This variety is smaller than others and is distinguishable from other geese by the knob or protuberance on its head.
Brown & grey variety: brown bill, and eyes, orange legs. Body feathers are brown and lighter on the underside of the bird.
White variety: Bright orange bill and legs, blue eyes and pure white body feathers.

Size: Gander, 6 kg Goose, 5.5 kg

Meat & egg production: Will lay at least 50 eggs in a season (about 100 known), and because of this they are ideal for crossing with other breeds, having a better bone/meat ratio than the others and a leaner carcase with little or no fat. They also often lay twice per year in Autumn and Spring although the occasional daft female has laid consistently for months.

Broodiness: Chinese geese go broody easily and are generally better layers.

Incubation: 28-34 days





My personal notes...
The Chinese Goose would definitely make a great "watch-dog", rather "watch-bird". It's voice is very loud, like a trumpet, yet with a honk included. It can be very aggressive. When I photographed this beautiful bird, it attacked both me and one of my adult sons...yet it couldn't get enough attention from my older son. It wanted to sit in his lap, snuggle, and tell its story to him...very interesting. It was hard to leave the park that day...it was whinnning and looked so sad to see us go...left quite an impression on us. I would have loved to have just let it crawl into the car and take it home.









"Bird Wonderland"
"Wonderland"

Copyright © 2003 Snow W. Frost
All rights reserved.
Reproduction without permission is strictly forbidden.