Steinbacher geese
The Steinbacher was probably first introduced to the UK from
Germany in the 1980s and was standardzied here in 1997.
It originated in former East Germany as a cross-breed of the local
geese with the Asiatic Chinese. It may also have been bred from a
cross with the Tula - the Russian fighting goose. The Tula itself
was bred as a cross between the western greylag types from Europe
and the eastern birds developed from the swan goose. Either way, the
Steinbacher is a fusion of eastern and western blood, but is a truly
unique breed. The best thing about this breed is the temperament.
Supposedly bred as a fighting goose (Kampfganse), these are the
tamest, most amenable geese we have ever kept. Brothers brought up
together can be kept in the same flock without fighting, and birds
which are brought up to be tame stay confident with people for life.
It is not a big breed. The standard weights are 11-15 lbs. The
plumage, in pure specimens (homozygous for blue), is a beautiful
pale blue. The breed also occurs in a darker blue (heterozygous for
blue) and grey (not blue).
Photos of Tula, and blue and grey Steinbacher below.
Brief facts on keeping geese
Book about geese
