Embden goose is one of the oldest domestic goose breeds, with records of it dating back about 200 years. The origin of this breed is not clear. Some believe that the breed was created by crossing the German white with the English White.
And then, by a process of careful selections created the goose as it is today. Others suggest that great size and weight of the English Embden goose was produced by selective breeding with the Toulouse goose breed.
According to other history, the breed is thought to be from the North Sea region, in the Netherlands and Germany. But most probably, the Embden goose was originated from the town of Embden in Lower Saxony, Germany.
Today the Embden goose are the most common goose breed used for commercial meat production, because their large size, white feathers and fast growth rate.
The breed is also known by some other names. They are known as Emden or Bremen in America, Emder Gaense or Emdener Gaense in Germany, and L’oies d’Emden in France and Belgium. Sometimes, they are also called White Embden Goose.
Embden goose were first brought to the United States in 1821. And the breed was admitted into the American Poultry Association’s Standard of Perfection in the year of 1874 and entered into the British Poultry Standard in 1865. Review Characteristics, breed profile and breed facts about Embden goose below.
Embden Goose Characteristics
Embden goose is classed as a heavy breed by the American Poultry Association. It is one of the tallest goose breed with a massive and long body. They have long swan neck with the double lobes not touching the ground. Their plumage color is completely white.
They have a short, light orange bill. Their feet and shanks are also orange in color. Their head is oval-shaped and their legs are fairly short. The Embden goose have a long and graceful neck. Their body is bulky and well rounded. Their tail is short and they have a long back.
Their eyes are an ocean blue. The wings of these birds are of a good length and are very strong. The feathers in their wings are close and very hard. On average, Embden ganders weight about 14 kg and goose about 9 kg.
Uses
Embden goose are mainly kept for meat production. They are heavy in size and very good for commercial meat production. The breed grows faster and is a popular goose breed for meat production.
Special Notes
It is a very hardy breed. They are fast growers and mature early. Usually, an Embden goose matures within about 2-3 years and will start to look for a mate for life. They are not good layers, and lay only 20-30 eggs per year. Their eggs are very large in size, weighting about 170 grams. Their eggs are white in color.
Embden goose are broody and they start incubating the eggs around the beginning of spring. The incubation period for their eggs is about 28-34 days. They are excellent mothers and are very protective against predators.
These goose are good foragers. And their habits are to forage for tidbits in the grass and water. They are herbivores and prefer to live near some water. They are cold hardy and can do well in fairly mild sub-zero temperatures.
The Embden ganders are more vocal than the females. And the ganders can often be heard honking loudly if approached. But the females are generally talk quietly throughout the day. As they have strong wings, so they can fly but don’t migrate.
Embden ganders can be aggressive sometimes, but they are good for alarming dangers. Review full breed profile of this goose breed in the chart below.
| Breed Name | Embden |
| Other Name | The breed is known as Emden or Bremen in America, Emder Gaense or Emdener Gaense in Germany, and L’oies d’Emden in France and Belgium. |
| Breed Purpose | Meat |
| Special Notes | Very hardy, great foragers, ganders can be aggressive |
| Breed Class | Heavy |
| Broodiness | Average |
| Weight | Standard weight is about 14 kg for males and about 9 kg for females |
| Climate Tolerance | All Climates (cold hardy) |
| Egg Color | White |
| Egg Size | Extra Large (about 170 grams) |
| Egg Productivity | Poor (20-30 eggs per breeding season) |
| Flying Ability | Good. But they usually don’t migrate |
| Rarity | Common |
| Varieties | White |
| Country of Origin | Germany |
Embden Goose Facts
Embden geese are wonderful birds and are beloved by many. From their gentle disposition to their delicious meat and eggs, they offer a lot to their owners. Whether you’re a commercial farmer or just looking for a few pets to keep in your backyard, Embden geese are a great choice.
With their hardy nature, adaptability, and beauty, they are sure to bring joy to your life. However, here we are trying to list some interesting facts about Embden Goose.
- Embden geese are one of the largest domesticated goose breeds, with males weighing between 18-20 pounds and females weighing between 16-18 pounds.
- They have a pure white plumage that is soft and fluffy.
- Embden geese are friendly and docile birds, making them great pets for families.
- They have a long and slender neck with a broad and flat beak.
- Embden geese are excellent foragers and can thrive in free-range environments.
- They are known for their meat, which is tender and flavorful, and their eggs, which are large and rich.
- Embden geese are typically raised for their meat and are often used in commercial farming operations.
- They are also used for their feathers, which are soft and fluffy and are used for stuffing pillows and comforters.
- Embden geese have a lifespan of around 10-12 years.
- They are social animals and do best in groups, so it’s recommended to keep at least two geese together.
- Embden geese are good at protecting their territory and will alert their owners to any potential danger.
- They are excellent swimmers and enjoy spending time in the water.
- Embden geese are hardy birds and can tolerate cold temperatures well.
- They are generally healthy birds and don’t require a lot of veterinary care.
- Embden geese are not prolific egg layers, producing only around 25-35 eggs per year.
- They are not as loud as other breeds of geese and have a pleasant honk.
- Embden geese are easy to train and can learn simple commands.
- They are good with children and enjoy being around people.
- Embden geese are easy to breed, and their offspring are typically hardy and healthy.
- They are adaptable birds and can thrive in a variety of environments, including suburban and urban areas.
- Embden geese are known for their calm and gentle demeanor, making them a great addition to any backyard flock.
- They are easy to care for and require little maintenance beyond basic feeding and watering.
- Embden geese are a beautiful and useful breed of domesticated geese that have been popular for centuries. Whether you’re raising them for meat, eggs, feathers, or just as pets, they are sure to bring joy and companionship to your life.
Tips for Raising Embden Goose
Raising Embden goose is relatively easy and simple. Even the beginners can raise them. If you are considering raising Embden geese, here are some tips to help ensure your birds are healthy, happy, and productive.
Provide Adequate Shelter
Embden geese need a dry and warm shelter to protect them from harsh weather conditions. A coop with a solid roof and walls is essential.
Create a Comfortable Nesting Area
Provide a nesting area for your geese to lay their eggs. Use straw or other soft bedding material.
Feed Them Properly
Embden geese need a well-balanced diet that includes a mix of grains, pellets, and fresh vegetables.
Provide Clean Water
Geese need access to fresh, clean water at all times. Change the water daily and ensure that the container is large enough for them to drink from.
Allow for Plenty of Grazing Time
Geese are natural grazers and need access to grass and other vegetation. Provide them with plenty of space to graze and forage.
Consider Supplemental Nutrients
If your geese aren’t getting enough nutrients from their diet, consider adding supplements such as vitamins and minerals.
Keep Them Safe
Geese can be vulnerable to predators, so it’s important to protect them with fencing, netting, or other barriers.
Monitor Their Health
Regularly check your geese for signs of illness, injury, or infection. Seek veterinary care if necessary.
Allow for Plenty of Exercise
Geese need plenty of space to move around and exercise. Provide them with a large area to roam.
Keep the Coop Clean
Clean the coop regularly to prevent the buildup of feces and other debris that can attract pests and cause health problems.
Provide Them with Shade
Geese can overheat in direct sunlight, so provide them with a shaded area to cool off.
Watch Their Behavior
Geese are social animals and may become aggressive if they feel threatened. Watch their behavior and intervene if necessary.
Monitor Their Water Intake
Geese can drown if their water container is too deep or if they get stuck in it. Monitor their water intake and provide shallow containers.
Consider Adding a Wading Pool
Geese enjoy water and will appreciate a wading pool to swim in.
Trim Their Wings
If your geese are flying out of their enclosure, consider trimming their wings to prevent escape.
Allow for Adequate Rest
Geese need plenty of rest, especially during the breeding season. Provide them with a quiet area to rest and lay their eggs.
Check for Parasites
Regularly check your geese for signs of parasites such as mites, lice, and ticks. Treat them promptly if necessary.
Keep Them Away from Toxic Plants
Certain plants can be toxic to geese. Research which plants to avoid and keep them away from your geese.
Train Them
Geese can be trained to follow simple commands such as “come” or “stay”. Training can also help you manage their behavior.
Provide Them with a Dust Bath
Geese need a dust bath to keep their feathers clean and healthy. Provide them with a shallow container of dirt or sand.
Be Patient
Geese can be stubborn and may take time to learn new behaviors. Be patient and consistent with your training.
Protect Them from Extreme Weather
Geese can suffer in extreme temperatures, so protect them from extreme weather by making a good shelter for them.
Provide Them with Company
Geese are social animals and thrive when they have other geese for company. Consider raising at least two geese together.
Keep Them in a Safe Location
When raising geese, it is important to keep them in a safe and secure location. This may involve fencing in the area where they will be raised or providing a secure coop for them to sleep in at night.
Provide Them with Clean Bedding
Clean bedding is important for the health and well-being of your geese. Bedding should be changed regularly to prevent the build-up of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms.
Provide Them with Enough Space
Geese need plenty of space to move around and exercise. Make sure that the area where they are raised is large enough to accommodate their needs.
Be Mindful of Their Age
The needs of geese can change as they age. Be mindful of the age of your geese and adjust their care accordingly.
Keep Them Away from Harmful Chemicals
Geese can be sensitive to chemicals, so be sure to keep them away from any harmful substances such as pesticides or cleaning chemicals.
Be Prepared for Breeding Season
Breeding season can be a busy and stressful time for geese. Be prepared by providing them with a quiet and comfortable place to lay their eggs.
Seek Help from a Professional
If you are unsure about how to care for your geese or if you have any concerns about their health or well-being, seek help from a professional.
Learn from Others
There are many resources available for those who are raising geese. Take advantage of these resources by learning from others who have experience in raising geese.
Be Prepared for the Cost
Raising geese can be expensive, so be prepared for the cost of food, bedding, and other supplies.
Be Patient with Your Geese
Geese can be slow to trust and may take time to warm up to their caretakers. Be patient and consistent with your care.
Protect Them from Predators
Geese can be vulnerable to predators such as foxes, coyotes, and raccoons. Take steps to protect your geese by providing a secure enclosure and keeping them away from areas where predators are known to be active.
Be Prepared for the Mess
Geese can be messy animals, so be prepared for the mess that they will inevitably make. Regular cleaning and maintenance will help to keep their area clean and sanitary.
Provide Them with Toys
Geese are intelligent animals and can benefit from having toys to play with. Consider providing them with simple toys such as balls or plastic bottles.
Be Prepared for the Smell
Geese can be smelly animals, especially if their area is not cleaned regularly. Be prepared for the smell and take steps to keep their area clean and well-maintained.
Keep Them Safe During Transport
If you need to transport your geese, be sure to keep them safe and secure during the trip. Use a secure crate or carrier and provide plenty of ventilation.
Consider the Laws and Regulations
Depending on where you live, there may be laws and regulations regarding the raising of geese. Be sure to research these laws and regulations before getting started.
Enjoy Your Geese
Geese can be fascinating and entertaining animals to raise. Take the time to enjoy their company and appreciate their unique personalities and behaviors.
