Shetland goose
The Shetland is a small, very hardy autosexing goose from the Shetland Islands. It is on the RBST watchlist.
Some details are still being checked. Anything marked unconfirmed or reported may change. Suggest a change
The Shetland is a pure-bred goose breed in the PCGB Light class. Its origin is thought to be Shetland Isles, Scotland, which we are still checking. It appears on the RBST Watchlist as a priority breed, so keepers of pure stock help conserve it.
It is kept in light form. Recognised colours: Autosexing: gander white, goose grey/pied.
Expect about 20 eggs a year, with white shells.
Compiled from poultryclub.org, rbst.org.uk, domestic-waterfowl.co.uk, waterfowl.org.uk, en.wikipedia.org. See sources
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Identity
- Species
- Goose
- Type
- Pure breed
- PCGB class
- Light
- Origin
- Shetland Isles, Scotland (unconfirmed)
History
Crofters used it to graze pastures to clear parasites such as liver fluke before sheep were turned out. It developed to cope with harsh northern island conditions.
Appearance
About 5–6 kg, slightly smaller than the West of England. Males are mostly white and females grey-and-white. Adults have blue eyes and pink bills and feet.
Recognised colours
Autosexing: gander white, goose grey/pied
Size and weight
- Forms
- Light
Eggs
- Eggs a year
- about 20
- Egg colour
- White
- Notes
- British Waterfowl Association: around 20 white eggs, depending on age, breeding condition and weather.
Temperament
- Keeping notes
- An exceptional forager that can largely feed itself by grazing, with very few health problems.
Hardiness
Very hardy
Broodiness
Not recorded yet.
Flying
Not recorded yet.
Suitability
- Good to know
- Autosexing, so the sexes are easy to tell apart.
Conservation status (RBST)
A priority breed on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Watchlist.
Breed club
- Domestic Waterfowl Club / British Waterfowl Association, umbrella · Website
- The Goose Club, umbrella · Website
Sources
This page is compiled from:
Review
Some details are still being checked. In particular: origin.
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