The American Buff Goose has long been the ‘go-to’ goose for small farmers. There is a very, very good reason for this too. This Goose is not only smallish (but still large enough for a good meal), but it is incredibly simple to raise as a pet. Let’s take a little look at this breed in a bit more depth, shall we?
The Origins of the American Buff Goose
The American Buff Goose, as the name suggests, is an American breed of goose. While it has likely been around for a lot longer, this breed was officially recognized as its own distinct breed at the tail end of the 1940s.
We also know that the breed was developed from the Greylag Goose, although our knowledge about the American Buff Goose ends here. Nobody really knows who developed the breed.
We also really do not have that much of an idea about where the breed was bred. There are some indications that the buff feathering was developed in the US, but other people seem to suggest that the buff feathering was developed in Europe and then imported in. Sadly, we are not likely to ever know the real story on this one.
While this is regarded as a popular breed for small farmers, this breed is critically endangered. It is only really found in the United States., At the last count, there were under 500 breeding pairs of this goose left.
So, while it isn’t likely to be disappearing any time soon, it is important to note that there is a chance that it may do in the future if something is not done about the breed.
The Look of the Goose
This goose doesn’t really look any different from your typical Greylag goose. It is the same shape. While this goose isn’t the smallest goose in the world, it is a medium weight bird. They weigh around 18 lbs (8kg), on average.
They are distinct from the Greylag Goose due to the coloring of their feathers. There is an ever so slight apricot-colored tinge to them, with most of the coloring focused on their neck feathers.
The rest of their feathers are white. It truly is one of the more beautiful breeds of goose.
As a Show Bird
While there is a recognized breed standard for this bird, we do not think it has ever been raised as purely a ‘show bird’. While there probably are shows on occasion, this goose is mostly going to be a practical goose, purely raised to produce eggs and meat.
That being said, this is still a goose that looks good. If you are not a fan of the typical Greylag Goose and want something that has a bit more colored added to it, then the American Buff Goose may be ‘just the ticket’. You won’t be entering it into shows, but it is certainly going to look good wandering around your yard, right?
The American Buff Goose Eggs
Like most breeds of goose, the American Buff Goose is not going to lay an astonishing number of eggs per year. Their egg production capabilities are pretty much confined to a few short months of the year.
However, this is still one of the more popular goose breeds for egg-laying, because it is pretty consistent on that front.
Generally speaking, you can expect to get around 20 eggs per year from your goose. Although there are some American Buff Geese that will lay as few as 10 eggs.
While you can eat the eggs, due to the small number that the bird produces, most people will be using them with the intention of breeding. Once laid, the eggs will take roughly a month to hatch.
The brilliant thing about the American Buff Goose is that this is one of the broodier breeds of goose. They are well-known for being able to raise their young. In fact, they are so broody that it is likely that you will be able to use them to raise the young of other breeds of goose too!
So, if you have geese that are less-broody, it may be worth introducing an American Buff Goose or two into the flock. It could help with breeding more birds.
The American Buff Goose for Meat Production
Like most geese, the American Buff Goose is likely to be destined for the table at some point. Outside of a small number of eggs and just ‘looking good’, there isn’t really that much production for a goose.
As we said before; this is a medium-sized goose. This means that it should be perfect for a family gathering. You do have a substantial amount of meat here too.
Leading up to the slaughter, the American Buff Goose puts on a decent amount of fat, which helps to contribute to the weight and, of course, means that the bird ends up being a lot more delicious when you eat it.
If you can get a decent breeding flock of this goose available, you should always have some goose meat available.
Raising the American Buff Geese as Pets
The American Buff Geese are perfect as pets. It is said that this is one of the friendlier goose breeds out there. This means that it is going to be the perfect goose breed for a family. It is helped by the fact that it doesn’t really have any special care requirements either.
This goose can be raised without too many issues. There are no known health issues for this breed of goose.
The only real problem that you will have with the American Buff Goose is that it is one of the more inquisitive of breeds. This means that it is prone to wandering off, and sometimes can get itself into a spot of danger.
Perhaps the only way to get around this is to ensure that your goose is fenced in at all times. Although, of course, do bear in mind that it is still a large bird, so do make sure that it has a ton of space to wander around in.
See also: The amazing Sebastopol Goose.
American Buff Geese for Sale
If you are lucky enough to live near a local hatchery where you can find American Buff Geese for sale, that is great. If, however, you are among the unfortunates that are unable to do so, consider the following hatcheries as good options, where you can find American Buff Geese for sale. On average the American Buff goose price will range from $20 for males and $40 for females.