Key Characteristics

This is a small, very hardy, breed of domestic goose. 

History

• Geese have been recorded on Shetland from as early as the 17th century, however no one is sure that they are the exact descendants of the current breed.
• Shetland geese were very important to farms for providing a cost-effective and reliable source of meat.

Appearance

• Shetlands have  a shorter bill due to their natural ability to forage.
• Their eyes are blue, and the neck are mainly white often with varying amounts of gray plumage. The abdomen is relatively flat.
• The wings are powerful, allowing full ability of flight.

Uses

Despite being small, this breed produces good meat. The average weight of Shetland geese is around 5 kg. And the ganders on average weight around 6 kg. 

The Shetland goose breed has been used by crofters to graze pasture. 

Did you know?

It was used to rid the grass of parasites, such as the liver fluke for preparing it for grazing by sheep.