Brecon Buff Geese
In domestic waterfowl, the Brecon is one of the few breeds of geese
originating in the UK. It was however, the first UK goose breed to
be standardized. Rhys Llewelyn of Swansea noticed buff-coloured
geese on hill farms in the Brecon Beacons and used this stock to
develop his buff geese which were recognized as a breed in 1934. The
Brecon was developed as a hardy, medium-weight goose which was able
to look after itself on the farm - as long as it was protected from
foxes. Intended as a table bird, a plump, round-breasted type was
favoured. Buff birds are still popular on farms and smallholdings in
Wales today because they do seem to grow well on free range grazing.
They are also easier to dress for the table than white or grey
geese.Exhibition Brecons are beautiful birds with pink bills and
pink feet to match. They have deep brown eyes. Their buff body
feathers are each edged with a lighter shade. In size, the weights
range from 16-20lbs in the gander and 14-18lbs in the goose i.e.
they are medium weight geese.
Pure Brecons are classified as a rare breed in the UK, along with
the Sebastopol and true-breeding Pilgrim and West of England goose.
During the 1980s, it was difficult to find Brecons which fitted the
standard description. Many farm 'buffs' are just utility buff geese.
Unless the pink bill is selected for, the orange beak will prevail.
Such birds are not Brecons. Fortunately the breed became very
popular and much sought after as a pet, ensuring its survival.
Hand-reared Brecons can be very tame, and the goose is an excellent
sitter and mother.
We have been breeders of exhibition Brecon Buffs since 1984.
