The Sebastopol (Medium Goose class) is a medium-sized goose best known for their curled feathers which is analogous to frizzling in chickens. White, the only recognized variety, was admitted to the American Poultry Association’s (APA) Standard of Perfection in 1938.
Standard Weights
Old Gander: 14 lbs.
Old Goose: 12 lbs.
Young Gander: 12 lbs.
Young Goose: 10 lbs.
This is the only breed of goose that has the characteristic curled feathers; even the flight and tail feathers are twisted. Not only are the feathers curled but they are also longer than the average goose feather. This added length adds to the overall impression of a profusely feathered bird. Sebastopols are medium in size and have somewhat rounded heads that appear large in proportion to the body. Due to the long, curled feathers their bodies look appear rounded. If one can look beneath the feathers, one will find a well-fleshed, compact bird with a somewhat short back and an oval plump body. It is said that a good Sebastopol should be able to sit in and fill a bushel basket. The Sebastopol should have dual lobes but they are hidden by the long, profuse feathering of the body. The thighs are short and well-muscled with the shanks also being short and stout. In general, the longer and more curled the feathers of the breast, back, and body the better. The plumage is pure white with the bill, shanks, and feet being orange while the eyes are bright blue.
This breed of goose is said to have been unknown to Western Europe until the time of the Crimean War, with the first birds reaching England around 1859. The name Sebastopol was given at that time. Reportedly the name came from a seaport located in southeastern Europe and it is likely this is where the first birds were shipped to England. Thus, they named the breed Sebastopol. Later they were also known as Danubian geese. Sebastopols are thought to have originated from the region of Southeastern Europe and eastern Russia. Later reports indicated that Sebastopols were, in fact, numerous in this area. It is not clear when the first Sebastopols were first introduced in the United States but it was known to have been here at least by the early 1920’s.
While chiefly distinguished by the peculiar development of the feathers (the characteristic which has made them of interest in Western Europe and America), they have other qualities which account for their considerable popularity in Eastern Europe. They have a quiet temperament, not apt to wander, yet good foragers, and easily fatten. The flesh is of excellent quality, they are moderate layers, and make good sitters and natural mothers. For these reasons, they were a popular utility bird in their homeland.
In this county, Sebastopols were always a fancier’s fowl and were never used to any extent for large-scale meat production. Because of their unique ornamental appearance, they were always and still are popular show birds. Many good quality birds can be seen in most of America’s shows. In fact, the Sebastopol class is usually the largest goose class of any breed.
Although the only recognized color of Sebastopols is White, there are many breeders now working with colored varieties. Gray, Buff, Blue, Gray Saddleback, and Buff Saddleback Sebastopols are now being seen more frequently.
Conditioning Sebastopols for show is more difficult than most other breeds of geese. Due to their long curled feathers, it is important to keep them in clean dry pens to avoid dirty and broken feathers. Some literature suggests allowing the birds constant access to bathing water in order to keep their white plumage clean. However, some people have recommended that Sebastopols should not be allowed constant access to swimming water because the feathers do not shed water like normal feathers and this can lead to a ragged appearance. What some recommend is putting them in an enclosure with moderately tall grass to keep them clean and only giving them five-gallon buckets of water to submerge their heads in. This keeps the body feathers dry while still allowing them to keep themselves clean. It is best to leave the choice of management up to the individual and let them decide which method gives the best results. Regardless of the method used, overcrowding must be avoided with this breed to keep the feathers clean and intact. If they are too crowded there is a tendency for the other birds in the pen to pull out each other’s long loose feathers.
When looking to purchase breeding or show birds there are some things to watch out for. First of all, avoid birds that have long, rectangular bodies. The body should be rounded when viewed from above and from the side. Avoid smooth breasts. Every feather on the breast should be curled and if this is not watched a large percentage of the offspring will end up being smooth breasted. Another major fault to avoid is stiff primary and secondary wing feathers. The primary and secondary wing feathers of Sebastopols should be long, soft and pliable allowing for maximum curl. Angel wing is a disqualification in any breed of goose, but many inexperienced Sebastopol owners easily miss this since it is harder to detect. Angel wing can be detected if the last joint of the wing points out away from the body at a sharp angle.
As far as color goes, avoid anything with large amounts of gray. Some young birds may show traces of gray, and this fine. This gray color usually disappears after their first molt, but in an adult, any traces of foreign color should be avoided. Proper bill, shank, foot, and eye color should also be kept in mind. Some Sebastopols have a tendency towards pink shading in the bills and legs.
Although Sebastopols are largely an ornamental, exhibition bird they could still be used a utility bird for home meat production. They produce a mid-sized well-fleshed carcass. The females lay well and make excellent natural mothers, while the ganders are fertile. One male can be kept with up to two to three females. Of course, their unique feathering makes for an interesting conversation piece.
Prepared by Michael Schlumbohm
References
Robinson, John H. Popular Breeds of Domestic Poultry. Dayton: Reliable Poultry Journal, 1924.
Brown, Edward. Races of Domestic Poultry. Liss: Nimrod Book Services, 1985.
The American Standard of Perfection Illustrated: A Complete Description of All Recognized Breeds and Varieties of Domestic Poultry. Burgettstown, PA: American Poultry Association, 2010.
Sheraw, Darrel, and Loyd Stromberg. Successful Duck & Goose Raising. Pine River, MN: Stromberg Pub., 1975.
Grow, Oscar. Modern Waterfowl Management and Breeding Guide. N.p.: American Bantam Association, 1994.