The name Toulouse is used for two types of gray geese descended from the European Greylag goose. The breed was developed in a French region, Haute Garonne, in southwestern France. The city of Toulouse, from which this breed got its name, is the center of the region. The breed has been in existence since the 1400s; the original grey color variety is very old. Though they were known by reputation in England in the early 1800s, the first recorded importation was by the Earl of Derby around 1840 as an addition to his Knowlsley poultry collection. English breeders began importing the breed and standardizing it through selective breeding.
Toulouse geese were imported to the US from England and Germany between the 1850s and the mid-1900s. They were first shown in Albany, NY in 1856. The Grey Toulouse was recognized in the American Poultry Association Standard of Perfection in 1874. The Buff variety was admitted in 1977.
The Standard Dewlap Toulouse is a huge bird averaging 20-26 lbs. Some tip the scales at 30 lbs. or more. Because of their loose plumage, they often appear heavier than they actually are. They continue growing for several years and do not reach their peak development until they are at least three years old. Their unique characteristics are the large dewlap of skin hanging below their beak, a deep keel hanging from their breast and two lobes in their full paunch.
They are moderate egg-layers of 20-35 eggs annually, although some strains have been known to produce more.
Dewlap Toulouse are a docile breed and can make good pets. They are “home bodies”, not wandering far from their food source. They are not as vocal as some other geese, but loud when they do vocalize. They are a good goose to raise for meat. A note of caution, their soft feathers may not dry out as quickly as the plumage of other geese. This can cause problems if they are not protected in times of prolonged rainfall, so they should always have accessible shelter. Also, they do not do well in a flock with aggressive breeds that would upset the gentle Toulouse.
Our love for geese started with the Sebastopol!
Once we had space on the farm we knew we wanted to add another breed of geese.
After time and research, we agreed on bringing in the Dewlap Toulouse. These are large beautiful birds!
We once again had the pleasure of working with Annette Rountree. We visited with her and hand picked our flock of 4. 2 Buff and 2 Gray.
Our prayer is to be hatching and selling goslings in the Spring starting in 2025.
