Description
Toulouse Goose
Breed Overview and Origin
The Toulouse Goose is a large, stout goose breed known for its gray plumage, heavy body, moderate egg production, and traditional meat value. If you want a practical farm goose for a homestead, hobby farm, family farm, or small commercial flock, the Toulouse is a strong choice.
Toulouse geese originated in France and have long been raised for meat production. Cackle Hatchery® notes that the breed was historically associated with foie gras production, although today many customers choose Toulouse geese for homesteads, family farms, small commercial farms, and general farmyard use.
Cackle Hatchery® sells Toulouse Geese as baby goslings. Cackle’s flock is a production type, not the exhibition type with the pronounced dewlap, keel, and extra size. Cackle has developed its Toulouse goose bloodline since 1974.
Appearance and Characteristics
Toulouse geese have a large, solid body with classic gray plumage and a traditional farm goose appearance. Their stout build gives them strong meat value, while their calmer nature makes them a practical option for farms and homesteads.
Your source copy notes that Toulouse geese grow quickly to about 14 to 18 pounds. They are large enough for meat production, yet still useful for moderate egg laying and farmyard presence.
Cackle’s Toulouse flock is a production type, not the heavy exhibition dewlap type. That distinction matters for customers who expect the large show-style Toulouse with a pronounced dewlap and keel. Cackle’s Toulouse geese are better described as practical production geese for meat, eggs, and farm use.
Toulouse Goose vs Exhibition Dewlap Toulouse
Production Toulouse and exhibition Dewlap Toulouse geese are not the same style of bird.
Choose Cackle’s production-type Toulouse Geese if you want a practical farm goose for meat, moderate egg production, and homestead use. Choose exhibition Dewlap Toulouse only if your main goal is a large show-type bird with the pronounced dewlap, keel, and extra size required for that exhibition type.
This distinction should be clear on the product page so customers understand what they are ordering. Cackle Hatchery® specifically notes that its flock is not the exhibition type with the pronounced dewlap, keel, and size.
Toulouse Goose vs White Embden Goose
Toulouse and White Embden Geese are both popular meat geese, but they have different appearances and slightly different strengths.
Choose Toulouse Geese if you want a large gray production goose with moderate egg production and classic farmyard appeal. Choose White Embden Geese if you want a snowy white goose known for fast growth, early maturity, and strong meat production.
Cackle’s All About Geese article notes that Toulouse and Embden are the most popular geese and the breeds most commonly raised for meat. The same article also says Embdens do not lay as many eggs as Toulouse geese, while Embdens tend to be better mothers.
Toulouse Goose vs African Goose
Toulouse and African Geese are both large farm geese, but they look and behave differently.
Choose Toulouse Geese if you want a gray, heavy, practical production goose with traditional meat and egg value. Choose African Geese if you want a large, vocal goose with a distinctive black knob above the beak and stronger territorial watch-bird presence.
Both breeds can work well for homesteads and small farms. However, Toulouse geese often appeal to customers who want a calmer, classic farm goose, while African geese appeal to customers who want a louder, more watchful bird.
Meat Production and Farm Use
Toulouse geese are popular for meat production because of their large size and steady growth. They have a long history as a meat goose, and your source copy notes their historic association with pâté foie gras.
For customers raising geese for the table, Toulouse geese offer a practical balance of body size, farm use, and egg production. They are popular with hobby farmers, family farms, homesteads, and small commercial farms.
Cackle’s How to Pluck a Goose is a helpful internal support link for customers raising geese for meat. The article explains practical goose-processing details and notes that goose meat, feathers, and eggs all have value.
Egg Production and Nesting
Toulouse geese lay a moderate number of eggs. Your source copy lists 25 to 40 eggs per year, while Cackle’s current Toulouse product result notes that they typically produce about 25 to 30 eggs per year.
For a farm goose, that egg production can be useful. Goose eggs are large and can be used in cooking and baking. Cackle’s Geese: They’re More Than Meat and Feathers explains that goose eggs are another valuable reason to raise geese, along with meat and feathers.
During nesting season, give geese space and move calmly around them. Even calm geese may protect nests, mates, and territory.
Temperament and Suitability
Toulouse geese are generally calm and easy to manage. Cackle’s current Toulouse product result describes them as generally calm and not aggressive.
That calm temperament makes them a good fit for hobby farms, family farms, homesteads, and small commercial farms. They still need respectful handling, though. Geese are large birds and can become protective during breeding or nesting season.
For customers concerned about territorial behavior, Cackle’s How to Deal with an Aggressive Goose is a useful internal resource. It explains that geese often act aggressively when they feel threatened and cannot easily hide.
Keeping Ducks and Geese Together
Some customers want to keep ducks and geese together. This can work in many setups because both enjoy water access, outdoor space, and similar farm environments.
Cackle’s Keeping Ducks and Geese Together explains that ducks and geese often get along well and are generally fine to keep in the same area.
Even so, customers should provide enough space, clean water, dry resting areas, safe nighttime housing, and room for each group to move comfortably. During breeding season, watch for protective behavior from ganders.
Farmyard Benefits Beyond Meat
Toulouse geese are often raised for meat, but they can offer more than table value. They can provide eggs, feathers, down, watch-bird presence, and classic farmyard beauty.
Cackle’s 12 Reasons to Keep Geese is a strong internal support link for customers who are still deciding whether geese fit their property. The article explains that backyard geese are useful for more than one purpose, including food, beauty, and farmyard function.
For a broader overview of goose uses, Cackle’s All About Geese explains that geese can be used for exhibition, meat, eggs, feathers, down, and guard duty.
Shipping Note
Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship geese to Hawaii. Keep this shipping note clear on the product page so customers can plan before ordering.
Cackle sells Toulouse Geese as baby goslings. The current product listing shows Toulouse Geese in Cackle’s Geese for Sale category, and Cackle’s category feed notes a limit of 16. Customers should check Cackle’s Availability Chart before placing an order.
Are Toulouse Geese Right for Your Flock?
Choose Toulouse Geese if you want:
A large gray production goose
A practical meat goose
Moderate egg production
A calm farmyard goose
A goose suited for hobby farms and family farms
A breed with historic French roots
A production type rather than exhibition dewlap type
A goose that grows to about 14 to 18 pounds
A bird for homesteads and small commercial farms
A Cackle gosling option with a limit of 16
Overall, Toulouse Geese are a great choice if you want a calm, useful, heavy farm goose for meat, eggs, and homestead value. They are not Cackle’s exhibition dewlap type, but they are a practical production goose for customers who want a traditional large gray goose.
If customers are still comparing goose breeds, direct them to Cackle’s Geese for Sale category or the broader Waterfowl for Sale category. Cackle’s geese category includes African, White Chinese, Toulouse, White Embden, and hatchery choice goose options.
Breed History and Preservation
The Toulouse Goose originated in France and has long been valued as a heavy farm goose. Historically, the breed was associated with meat production and pâté foie gras.
Over time, different Toulouse types developed. The exhibition dewlap type became known for a pronounced dewlap, keel, and extra size, while production-type Toulouse geese remained more practical for farm use.
Cackle Hatchery® offers the production type rather than the exhibition dewlap type. Cackle has developed its Toulouse goose bloodline since 1974, making this a long-maintained production flock for customers who want useful farm geese.
Recognition and Availability
Cackle Hatchery® sells Toulouse Geese as baby goslings. The current product result identifies them as a traditional French breed used for meat production and popular among hobby farmers, homesteads, and small farms.
Customers who want to compare other geese may also consider White Embden Geese, African Geese, White Chinese Geese, and Hatchery Choice Geese Surplus.
Before planning an order, customers should check Cackle Hatchery’s Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping dates.
Related Breeds and Helpful Cackle Hatchery® Resources
If you like Toulouse Geese, you may also want to compare White Embden Geese, African Geese, White Chinese Geese, Cackle Barn Yard Geese, and Hatchery Choice Geese Surplus.
Helpful Cackle articles include 12 Reasons to Keep Geese, Keeping Ducks and Geese Together, How to Pluck a Goose, How to Deal with an Aggressive Goose, Geese: They’re More Than Meat and Feathers, and All About Geese.
For browsing, use Geese for Sale, Waterfowl for Sale, and Availability Chart.
FAQ: Toulouse Goose
What is a Toulouse Goose?
A Toulouse Goose is a large gray domestic goose from France. It is raised for meat, moderate egg production, farmyard use, and homestead value.
Are Toulouse Geese good for meat?
Yes. Toulouse Geese are popular meat geese because of their large size and strong farm value.
How big do Toulouse Geese get?
Your source copy says Toulouse Geese grow quickly to about 14 to 18 pounds.
How many eggs do Toulouse Geese lay?
Toulouse Geese lay a moderate number of eggs. Your source copy lists 25 to 40 eggs per year, while Cackle’s current product result says they typically produce about 25 to 30 eggs per year.
Are Toulouse Geese used for foie gras?
Historically, Toulouse Geese were associated with pâté foie gras production. Today, many customers raise them for meat, eggs, homestead use, and farm flocks.
Does Cackle Hatchery® sell exhibition Dewlap Toulouse Geese?
No. Cackle Hatchery® sells production-type Toulouse Geese, not the exhibition type with the pronounced dewlap, keel, and extra size.
What do Toulouse Geese look like?
Toulouse Geese are large, stout gray geese with a traditional farmyard appearance.
Are Toulouse Geese calm?
Yes. Cackle’s product result describes Toulouse Geese as generally calm and easy to manage.
Are Toulouse Geese aggressive?
They are generally calm, but any goose may become protective during breeding or nesting season. Cackle’s How to Deal with an Aggressive Goose can help customers understand goose behavior.
Are Toulouse Geese good for beginners?
They can work for beginners who are prepared for large geese. Customers should provide enough space, clean water, safe shelter, respectful handling, and predator protection.
Can Toulouse Geese live with ducks?
Yes, ducks and geese can often live together when they have enough space and proper housing. Cackle’s Keeping Ducks and Geese Together is a helpful planning resource.
What is the difference between Toulouse and White Embden Geese?
Toulouse Geese are gray and known for meat and moderate egg production. White Embden Geese are snowy white, fast-growing, and also popular for meat.
What is the difference between Toulouse and African Geese?
Toulouse Geese are gray production geese with a calmer farmyard style. African Geese are larger, more vocal, and have a distinctive black knob above the beak.
Can Cackle Hatchery® ship Toulouse Geese to Hawaii?
No. Cackle Hatchery® cannot ship geese to Hawaii.
Is there a maximum order quantity for Toulouse Geese?
Yes. Cackle’s geese category feed notes a limit of 16 for Toulouse Geese.
Does Cackle Hatchery® sell Toulouse goslings?
Yes. Cackle Hatchery® sells Toulouse Geese as baby goslings.
Where can I check Toulouse Goose availability?
Check Cackle Hatchery’s Availability Chart for current hatch and shipping options.
Sandra Perry –
I had a lone female Sebastopol who was desperate to hatch her infertile eggs. After two years of getting fertilized Seb eggs for her only to have them fail to hatch, I decided to purchase 2 male & 1 female Toulouse goslings instead this year. They arrived in April, and because she’s unexperienced I decided to brood them myself. Our brooder is a small hoophouse with an opaque plastic covering, so she was able to hear and somewhat see the babies from the nest she’d built nearby. She IMMEDIATELY reacted differently to the goslings than she’s ever reacted to other birds she’s seen us brood (ducks, chickens, etc). Within a week she had abandoned her own eggs, and was guarding the little hoophouse and talking back & forth with the goslings. Around the end of week two I decided to let them all meet face to face, and she promptly led the goslings away and took over raising them. So they aren’t super bonded to me, but I don’t mind because I didn’t get them to be my pets, I got them to be her family!
About five months later, I can say emphatically that these goslings are practically perfect in every way, and my Sebastopol CLEARLY agrees!! Along with the 4 geese, we have a free ranging mixed flock of ducks, chickens, turkeys, & guineas. The goslings had no trouble adapting to a peaceful existence among all the other species of birds, immediately following the guidance of our gentle Sebastopol. We recently hatched seven ducklings from an abandoned nest, and when it was time to begin integrating them into the flock I was amazed to watch the three grown Toulouse assisting the Sebastopol in protecting the ducklings from ornery adult ducks who like to chase motherless juveniles away. Each goose took up a guard position around the feed area whenever those ducklings were hungry, and again around the little duck pond when the ducklings wanted a turn in the water! Somehow the ducklings knew those giant birds just wanted to keep them safe.
Like with the Sebastopol, we’ve also never had any issues with the Toulouse being aggressive toward humans or pets. (They WILL display/alarm-call if you startle them, especially at night, and they might even walk toward you while doing so. But they never get too close, and never make you feel threatened. I was also amused to discover that whereas the Sebastopol sounds like a braying donkey when she alarm-calls, the young-adult Toulouses sound like trumpeting baby elephants! (I never realized different breeds would sound different, so that was a fun surprise!)
In summary: If you want beautiful geese who will blend well with your flock, are pretty quiet most of the time, and won’t attack/chase strangers who are just minding their business, this is the breed you should pick!!
Petra Thompson –
I have 5 of these beautiful geese (1 male and 4 female). They arrived safe and healthy. Very friendly and greet me with lots of happy honks. They have brought great joy to our little farm!
janeine.plumlee –
I ordered 3 geese (1 female and 2 males) to go along with my 1 female Toulouse goose that I rescued. My order was perfect everyone has paired up and happy and they are the king and queens of the resort they now live at!! They follow everyone every where and never stop talking they make a great attraction to any place they make you love them:)
clbtletullier –
I ordered 4 Toulouse Geese (2 pairs). I received them in June and they have been enjoyable. I also ordered 20 chicks of assorted breeds and received 24 chicks in July one month after receiving my goslings. All my birds are healthy (I only lost one chick due to the stressful shipping and hot weather). All are friendly and come crowding around me when they see me.
In my past orders (2005/2006) as well as this one (2025) I have ordered a total of aprox 200 birds from Cackle Hatchery and have only had one miss gendered/“sexed”. My birds have been healthy and I only lost at most a handful due to shipping stress.
I have been pleased with all my birds (chickens, geese, turkeys) from Cackle Hatchery.
Katrina Stone –
Honestly these geese were disappointing – not sure whether personality is a priority with breeding this line of geese at the cackle hatchery or what, but I’ve ordered quite a few diff breeds of geese from other companies online and 4/5 of my other geese populations I bought were absolutely the best- all of them just loved to be with people, lively and just so friendly with big personalities. 1 company in particular had the hands down BEST genetics for personality I’ve never had a breed (chickens or geese) from them that didn’t have personalities and friendlybbeyond belief just engrained into their breeding program dna- but the geese I got from cackle were nothing like the many others I got from other hatcheries. They were skittish from day 1, no matter how much handling they did not want to be around people they ran away and even bit and scratched if you tried to touch them from arrival even, none of them bonded with any other animals I had or people here and they literally were nothing good in my opinion for a homestead where here everyone is useful or they go to freezer camp- these guys (minus one who was the runt the others were very aggressive with- again personality issues with aggression from very young age- the little runt though was my only one that was somewhat sweet. The rest beat it up so bad they about scalped the poor thing. One needed to go to freezer young cause he ripped blood from my daughter and killed a brother/sister and 5 of my chickens. Idk, wish I woulda bought chickens or guineas or turkeys from cackle- all of them I happily put in the freezer but was pretty darn livid that I saved up the money we didn’t really have to get myself something special since I don’t often get something worth so much as a gift for me ever. It honestly has turned me away from geese forever. I’ve never bought other birds from cackle but if I ever had a choice I wish I coulda traded them in within 1-2 weeks of arrival for something else they sell because all these geese (and another breed I bought through cackle in the same delivery) just wasted the very rare large amount of money I spent on myself for once which I don’t do but every few years- all to just end up with a few dinners and my 2 year old with scars. Super sad how horribly personality wise these were. I’ve had every breed and type of bird for years- and I’m very aware of how to breed in good quality genetics leading to the best personality types- of course environment plays a part- but as a breeder myself of very rare endangered chickens along with quail rabbits and hopefully soon a few others – I’m well aware of the huge part genetics plays in behavior. These guys don’t have it. Wish cackle could make it right but it’s been too long and I felt selfish asking in the first place so I never did. Just be aware if you’re thinking of buying from cackle. I won’t be a jerk and post the hands down best genetics focused on behavior of their offspring they hatch from the farm that has never been beat on that level- but out of respect for cackle I will not say who it is. Cheaper most definitely reflects lower quality. You won’t regret spending more to get a bird you fall head over heels for like every past goose I’ve had from the hatchery I wish I was able to share.
Cackle Hatchery (store manager) –
We’re sorry to hear about the challenges you experienced with your geese. It sounds like there were some serious behavioral issues, and we understand how upsetting that must have been for you and your family. While temperament can vary among individual birds, personality traits are not something we guarantee as we cannot predetermine personality differences. We have not received similar reports with this breed, and most of our customers find their geese friendly and well-adjusted. Factors such as environment, handling, and individual variation all play a significant role in behavior. We appreciate you sharing your feedback and take all customer experiences seriously.
Edward Gomez –
Our favorite geese, very calm in the water unlike ducks that splash and quack. The geese eloquently wade in the water without splashing. The geese only make sounds when someone approaches to alarm the pack but if caught can be picked up and held. Their feathers are super soft and the kids love that. Received two female and one males for a perfect flock balance. Since they can fly, I have them in a large aviary with peacocks, silkies, and pheasants. Highly recommend.
Edward Gomez –
Our favorite geese, very calm in the water unlike ducks that splash and quack. These geese only make sounds when someone approaches to alarm the pack but if caught can be picked up and held. There feathers are super soft and the kids love that. Received one female and two males for a perfect flock balance. Since they can fly, I have them in a large aviary with peacocks, silkies, and pheasants. Highly recommend.
Stephen Kilbourn –
My two Toulouse geese arrived 4 months ago. They were sexed correctly and came healthily in along with 2 Ancona duckling hens that I ordered. I have not had geese before. They’ve been a fun addition to my flock. The geese are friendly and not very loud unless they are startled by someone suddenly entering their area. They seem to be doing a good job of mowing down weeds around the yard and fence line, but I also feed them all flock along with my chickens and ducks
blondieja69 –
I ordered 4 goslings, 3 females and 1 male. It was said that the male was marked and no male was marked so I’m unsure if I actually have a male or not. One of my goslings appeared to be a runt yet seemed healthy.
Now 4 months old my little runt is still a lot smaller than the others and is off centered, or crooked. I absolutely love him/her still the same. A special little one and melts my heart.
Roger Huber –
Well, my experience was both good and bad. I received my 3 geese healthy and alert. They grew fast and were very friendly and so much fun. Unfortunately around 3 1/2 months later they were picked off one by one by a racoon. It was very sad to lose them but it cost the coon his life thankfully. I look forward to buying additional geese next year and have taken steps to reinforce their home.
Nathaniel Ingersoll –
I ordered 2 toulouse geese (females), 4 ducks and a number of chickens.
My ducks & the toulouse geese fared very well and they’re all outstanding creatures – I’m very happy I ordered them; they’re three and a half months old now and in great conditions.
My experience with the chicken part of the order, on the other hand, gives me pause in recommending Cackle too highly; I ordered a variety of breeds totally 15 chicks, and while they sent 19 chicks! – impressive! – it seems that they probably did so because they had to know that they’d been having problems with chicks dying, as I ended up with EIGHT chicks living and I’ve literally never had chicks die from any orders nor from hatching my own, so I’m suspicious that they knew they have problems and hoped that shipping extra would cover for it.
Maybe it’s a chick problem only and the geese and ducks are fine, probably, so you should be ok ordering waterbirds, but the chick thing left a terrible taste in my mouth so I doubt I’ll use them again.
Kaylee Gibson –
I bought three Toulouse goslings back in June and one Embden so that I had two mating pair of geese.. I brooded them in my office so that they could bond with me. Truly the BEST breed. They are very chill and docile. They are great with human, my dogs, and all out other poultry. They come running towards me when I say their names or peep at them. Super friendly and do their job to guard the others WELL! They literally will NOT go into the coop at night until every single duck, chicken, and turkey is already in. They even came to “tell on” the ducks one night when they were ready for bed and found me by the garage and screamed at me then turned around like they wanted me to follow them. HIGHLY RECOMMED!!
winoinn –
I ordered 3 goslings from California. They arrived in great shape shipped on a Monday and they were in the brooder by 10:00 Wednesday morning. Less than a week and growing along with great entertainment. I think they’ll make a great addition to the farm. In the day input then outside and brooder at night, they’re loving the green weeds.
Sara –
Great breed!
These geese are just lovely. They will bond with you and follow you around. They are not aggressive and live well with chickens, ducks, and other farm animals. They are beautiful and peaceful.
Molli –
Excellent lovely geese
I ordered 3 geese, two females and a male. They arrived with one of them having it’s head stuck between the cardboard divider and the lid. It spent it’s first few days unable to stand or walk, with the first 6 hours or so unable to straighten it’s neck. I contacted Cackle, but unfortunately we were never able to line up schedules for a phone call. The gosling did recover, and was able to eat and drink normally, only to die mysteriously 2 months later. The remaining two geese are very friendly and healthy, with the gander tugging on my pants whenever I go to feed and water them. They’re a beautiful set, and they talk to each other whenever I’m in the pen with them. The gander has a huge ‘apron’ and the end of his beak has a white spot, where the female has a black spot. I would like to note that I received around 60 birds in the same crate and ALL of them were healthy and suffered no shipping related losses.
Amiralsrbani –
Great geese
These are very substantial and hardy geese!
Stacey –
Toulouse Geese
I ordered 4 Toulouse goslings, and they arrived on time and very healthy. It was so fun interacting with them as they grew. They are 8 months now and are big, beautiful birds. Love them!
Dave from Missouri –
very satisfied
I have had my 6 Toulouse goslings for 3 weeks now. They are growing extremely fast. They are about 1 foot tall and long. I have been feeding them gamebird feed and grass. I will recommend this breed to anyone wanting geese and Cackle Hatchery for all poultry orders. Thanks.
Kristi Virginia April 2014 –
Hello
My guess arrived a little while ago and all is well–they are all bright-eyed and bushy-tailed!:-) Thank you for the care you take in shipping these sweet little creatures so they will arrive safe as well.