Special Features
The
Chinese goose originates from China and is related to the African
goose. It is sometimes referred to as the "Swan Goose" because of its graceful
manner. There are two varieties of the Chinese Goose, White and
Brown. The original variety is similar to the Brown Chinese Goose.
Because they eat grasses and weeds these birds are often bred and
used for "weeding" purposes.
A distinguishing characteristic of Chinese is the knob on top of
their head - which is typically larger in males. Brown back and
wings with a brown neck stripe down the back of it's neck and whitish
under-parts with dusky white-brown flanks. Black bill with a large
knob at the base, orange legs and feet and a short, upward held
tail.
Social Structure & Behavior
Breeding:
A ratio of four to six geese per gander,
rather than allowing a one to one pairing, reduces competition in
the flock (Holderread, 1981). Chinese have been known to lay large
quantities of eggs - over 100 in a year!
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