Gooses! Geeses!  Toulouse Geese and African Geese

The African Goose is a breed of domestic goose. Not actually African at all, African breed geese are descended from the wild Swan Goose, just like their close cousin the Chinese goose. Though they share some similar characteristics (such as color variations), the two can be distinguished by the African's larger dewlap and different knob shape. African geese are also quite a bit heavier than Chinese, and are more well-known for their docile temperaments.

Two origin theories persist for the fowl: the first purporting that Africans are the result of crosses of Swan Geese and Chinese, while the other asserts that they are pure derivations of the Swan Goose, and their unique traits are simply the result of selective breeding. Whichever the case, it has existed as a distinct breed since at least the middle of the nineteenth century, and was admitted to the American Poultry Association's Standard of Perfection in 1874.

African geese appear in three color varieties: Brown, Buff and White. Browns have black bills and knobs, and plumage with irregular shades, from a very light to dark brown. Whites have all-white plumage and orange bills and knobs.  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Toulouse Goose is a breed of domesticated goose originating near Toulouse, France. It is a large bird, with a weight of up to 18 to 20 pounds and is known for its ponderous appearance and large dewlaps. Toulouse are the best layers among the breeds.

They do not need a pond. However, being waterfowl, they love bathing and playing in water and will also mate in water. They are not great wanderers, preferring to stay close to home, making them ideal for a large garden or orchard, where they will thrive. Interestingly, individual geese vary, and others thrive in mixed flocks and become severely aggressive, biting and hissing, while others are placid and prefer to follow around smaller ducks as opposed to other geese.

The Toulouse is the breed most used for the production of foie gras. The breed is a moderately good layer of eggs, producing as well as most other goose breeds. They rarely have problems producing fertile eggs, although problems can occur during severe weather in the winter and spring, as is the case with most breeds. An average Toulouse lays 20-40 eggs per year. These birds are generally not good sitters.  From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.