Raising Toulouse Geese

Raising Toulouse Geese

Raising Toulouse Geese

Toulouse Geese are one of the most beloved heritage goose breeds for homesteaders, small farms, and backyard poultry keepers who value calm temperament, excellent meat quality, and gentle companionship. Originating from the Toulouse region of France, these large, heavy-bodied geese are prized not only for their table quality but also for their docile nature and striking appearance—especially the Dewlap Toulouse, known for its distinctive loose fold of skin under the chin.

1. Know the Breed: Toulouse Goose Profile

• Origin: Southwest France (Toulouse region), developed as a meat and foie gras bird.

• Appearance:

  • Grayish-brown body with a lighter gray back and white underbelly

  • Orange bill and legs, dark eyes

  • Dewlap variety: Features a prominent fatty fold of skin beneath the chin (more common in U.S. strains)

  • Non-dewlap (European) variety: Sleeker, leaner, and more active

• Size: Large and heavy:

  • Ganders (males): 16–22 lbs

  • Geese (females): 14–18 lbs

• Egg Production: 20–35 large white eggs per year (laid Feb–May).

• Temperament: Extremely calm, gentle, quiet, and easygoing—ideal for families and mixed flocks.

• Noise Level: Very quiet—rarely honk unless truly alarmed.

• Lifespan: 15–20+ years.

• Purpose: Primarily meat, but also eggs, down, and ornamental value.

✅ Why Choose Toulouse Geese?

• Top-tier meat birds—rich, tender, and well-marbled

• Gentle and quiet—perfect for homesteads near neighbors

• Cold-hardy and disease-resistant

• Good foragers (though less active than Chinese geese)

• Heritage breed—supports genetic diversity

2. Legal & Space Considerations

• Noise: Very low—among the quietest goose breeds.

• Space Needs:

  • Shelter: 6–8 sq ft per bird

  • Pasture: Minimum 75–100 sq ft per goose (more if relying on forage)

🪿 Note: Dewlap Toulouse are heavier and less mobile—ensure easy access to food, water, and shelter.

3. Housing & Shelter

Toulouse Geese are hardy but appreciate dry, draft-free shelter—especially the dewlap variety, which is prone to resting on the ground.

Shelter Requirements:

• Floor: Concrete, packed earth, or wood—easy to clean.

• Bedding: Straw or wood shavings—keep dry to prevent respiratory issues and dewlap soiling.

• Nesting: Quiet, ground-level nests (half-barrels or wooden boxes with clean straw).

• Ventilation: Good airflow without drafts at goose level.

• Security: Lockable door—essential at night for predator protection (foxes, coyotes, dogs).

❄️ Cold Tolerance: Excellent—they handle snow and freezing temps with dry shelter and water.

4. Fencing & Outdoor Habitat

• Fence Height: 3–4 feet (Toulouse cannot fly due to weight).

• Fencing Type: Woven wire, livestock panels, or electric poultry netting.

• Pasture: Rotate grazing areas to prevent mud and parasites.

• Foraging Zones: Best in orchards, vineyards, or open pastures—avoid steep slopes or muddy areas (dewlap birds struggle in wet conditions).

• Shade: Provide trees or shade sails—they avoid midday heat.

🌿 Weed Control: Moderate grazers—good for maintaining grass but not as intense as Chinese geese.

5. Water Requirements

Like all geese, they need clean water—but Toulouse are less “splashy” than ducks.

• Drinking Water: Always available in a large, sturdy container (they drink heavily!).

• Dipping Water: A shallow tub (12–18" deep) so they can submerge their heads to clean eyes and nostrils.

• Swimming: Optional—a livestock tank or kiddie pool is fine, but not required. Ensure easy exit ramps.

💧 Mud Management: Place water on gravel or packed earth to minimize muck. Refresh daily.

6. Feeding Toulouse Geese

Primarily grazers, but benefit from supplementation—especially dewlap strains, which are less active.

Growing Season (Spring–Fall):

• Can meet 60–80% of diet from quality pasture (grass, clover, young weeds).

• Supplement with goose or waterfowl pellets if pasture is poor.

Winter/Dormant Season:

• Grass hay (timothy, orchard grass)

• Maintenance or layer pellets (14–16% protein)

• Grit & oyster shell (free-choice for laying geese)

• Kitchen scraps: Lettuce, peas, cooked squash, vegetable trimmings

Avoid: Moldy feed, avocado, raw potatoes, citrus, or excessive bread.

🌾 Self-Sufficiency Tip: Grow winter fodder (wheatgrass, barley) to reduce feed costs.

7. Egg & Meat Production

Eggs

• Lay: February to May (seasonal layers).

• Egg Count: 20–35 large white eggs per year.

• Size: 2–3x chicken eggs—thick shells, rich golden yolks.

• Uses: Baking, pasta, custards—excellent binding and richness.

• Storage: Unwashed, cool place—lasts 3–4 weeks.

Meat

• Processing Age:

  • 16–20 weeks for tender meat (10–12 lbs dressed)

  • Older birds for roasting or confit

• Meat Quality: Exceptional—tender, flavorful, and well-marbled. Historically used for confit and pâté de foie gras (though ethical foie gras requires special feeding).

🪿 Fun Fact: Toulouse Geese were once driven in flocks across France to markets—a tradition that inspired modern poultry shows!

8. Breeding & Raising Goslings

• Mating: Form strong pair bonds—1 gander to 2–4 geese.

• Nesting: Provide privacy—hens are easily stressed during laying.

• Clutch Size: 8–12 eggs.

• Incubation: 28–30 days (natural or incubator).

• Broodiness: Good mothers—very attentive and protective.

Gosling Care (0–8 Weeks):

• Heat: 90°F Week 1, reduce by 5°F weekly.

• Feed: Non-medicated chick starter + niacin (100–150 mg/gal water).

• Water: Shallow dish—change 2–3x daily.

• Space: Start with 1 sq ft per gosling—they grow rapidly!

⚠️ Critical: Keep goslings dry and warm—Toulouse grow fast but can develop leg issues without proper niacin and footing.

9. Health & Common Issues

Toulouse Geese are hardy but watch for:

• Dewlap Soiling: Keep bedding dry—muddy or wet conditions can lead to skin infections.

• Leg Weakness: Ensure proper niacin in diet, especially for fast-growing goslings.

• Predators: Secure night housing is non-negotiable.

• Obesity: Avoid overfeeding—especially in confined dewlap birds.

✅ Prevention: Clean water, dry shelter, rotational grazing, and balanced diet.

10. Behavioral Traits & Handling

• Temperament: Gentle, calm, and social—great with children and other poultry.

• Vocalization: Very quiet—honk only when necessary.

• Social Needs: Keep in pairs or small groups—never alone.

• Activity Level: Dewlap Toulouse are less active—ideal for small, flat pastures.

11. Integration into a Self-Sufficient System

• Meat Production: One of the best table geese—ideal for home processing.

• Manure: Less odorous than chicken manure—excellent for composting.

• Down & Feathers: Soft, warm down—collect during molting or after processing.

• Ornamental Value: Their stately gray plumage adds elegance to ponds or pastures.

• Conservation: Raising Toulouse supports heritage breed preservation (listed as “Watch” by The Livestock Conservancy).

Toulouse Geese are the gentle aristocrats of the goose world—combining beauty, culinary excellence, and serene companionship into one remarkable bird. Whether you’re raising them for succulent meat, quiet pasture presence, or heritage conservation, they offer grace and utility with minimal noise or fuss.

🌟 “A Toulouse Goose doesn’t rush—it savors the grass, guards the homestead, and enriches your table with quiet dignity.”

Ready to start? Begin with a pair or 2–3 goslings in spring, provide dry shelter and well-drained pasture, and enjoy decades of peaceful, productive partnership.

Related Keywords: Toulouse geese, raising Toulouse geese, Toulouse goose care, Toulouse goose meat, Toulouse goose eggs, heritage goose breeds, dewlap Toulouse, backyard geese, quiet geese for homesteads, goose foraging, Toulouse goose temperament, goose pasture management, gosling care, Toulouse goose housing, sustainable goose farming, Toulouse goose feeding, predator protection for geese, Toulouse goose breeding, self-sufficient homestead geese, integrated poultry farming