Steinbacher Geese

Steinbacher Geese are small, light weight, proud looking geese that look similar to Russian Fighting Geese. Steinbacher Geese came from the Thuringia region in eastern Germany and were originally bred from a cross from the local, regional geese and Chinese Geese. Their most distinctive feature is the orange bill with a black bean. They have orange legs and feet. In France, they are called L’oie de combat de Steinbach or “The Steinbacher Fighting Goose”. In Germany, they are called Steinbacher Kampfgnse. Kampfgnse also means “fighting Goose”. Steinbacher Geese were first standardized in the UK in 1997.

Steinbacher Geese

Steinbacher Goose

There is some controversy over the most desirable paunch for Steinbacher Geese. It is generally agreed that in young birds, that there be little sign of a paunch. In older birds or females after they have layed, the German Standard specifies a single lobed paunch while the British Standard calls for a double lobed paunch. Since the breed originated in Germany, I would think that a single lobed paunch in older birds would reflect what the original foundation stock possessed. In terms of weight ranges, the German Standard calls for old birds to be in the 15-17 lb. range while the British Standard specifies weights from 13-16 lbs.” – American Waterfowl Judge, Mr. Lou Horton

Uses: Utility – Meat & eggs. Eggs: 30 to 50 white eggs per year.
Origin: Germany.
Weight: Gander: 13-15 lbs Goose: 11-13 lbs.
Colors: Blue, Grey (standardized), Cream and Buff (non standardized)
Useful to Know: Some strains can be aggressive. The Steinbacher was after all named ‘the fighting goose’ in France and Germany.

The ancestors of the domestic goose are derived from two distinct wild species. Western (European) breeds have been developed from the greylag, and Asiatic breeds such as the African and Chinese from the swan goose. Despite their separate origin, the Asiatics and greylag types do inter-breed.