Feather Acres
Specializing in Rare Breed Poultry Preservation
Giant Dewlap Toulouse
A 2007 Breeding trio.
I just love this picture! Looks like the Nina, the Pinta and the Santa Maria!
Young Pairs Young Gander Striking a pose!
I just love this breed, they truly are gentle giants. They love to come tattle on the ducks when they are stealing their dinner. They aren't very noisy like other goose breeds. Make a "Wub, Wub" sound rather than screeching. I can trust them around my kids, and they don't wander off the property. They are huge and eat well! They are prone to wing problems if not fed properly, and don't reach breeding age for about 2 years. Because of their size, fertility is increased by having swimming water at least 18 inches deep, and clipping vent feathers can be helpful too.
Funny story....Ron went out one morning to feed and take care of everybody. He noticed a HUGE snake track on the ground and thought he had better be on the lookout for that one. It was a "Z" pattern in the mud after a rain and it traveled a long way! Well, after keeping his eyes open for that snake....he came out the next morning and noticed it had been ALL OVER the bird yard! Don't know what it was that finally made him realize....it was the geese dragging their big ol' bellies in the mud! Had a good laugh over that one! They are so heavy, they drag their hineys and it makes a "Z" pattern back and forth as they waddle in the dirt or mud. I had seen mine do it, but knew immediately what it was! Got a good laugh from Ron though! When we clip vent feathers you can see the calluses on their belly folds from dragging them.