The Sebastopol is the curly goose: long, soft, curling feathers spill from its back, wings and tail, and the frizzled wing feathers mean it cannot fly. It comes from south-eastern Europe around the Black Sea, took its name from the port it was shipped from, and entered the APA Standard in 1938. Sebastopols are quiet, slow-moving and more shy than aggressive, which makes them easy to confine and pleasant to keep. The loose plumage insulates and sheds water poorly, so they need dry shelter in wet, cold, windy weather, and clean water to keep the curls presentable.
Good with kids
Cold hardy
Heat tolerant
Broody
Egg colorWhite
Egg production25–35 / year
TemperamentDocile
BroodinessFrequent
ClimateCold hardy, Heat tolerant
PurposeOrnamental
Weight
Goose12 lb
Gander14 lb
How to spot it
Plumage
Long, soft, curling feathers draping from back, wings and tail; white is commonest
Look for
A goose that looks permed — no other breed carries curled feathers
