Ashton Waterfowl 
Pure breeds Domestic Geese, Call Ducks, Indian Runner Ducks  in the UK

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Brecon Buff Geese  -  pictures and breed information

In domestic waterfowl, the Brecon is one of the few breeds of geese originating in the UK. It was however, the first UK goose breed to be standardized. Rhys Llewelyn of Swansea noticed buff-coloured geese on hill farms in the Brecon Beacons and used this stock to develop his buff geese which were recognized as a breed in 1934. The Brecon was developed as a hardy, medium-weight goose which was able to look after itself on the farm - as long as it was protected from foxes. Intended as a table bird, a plump, round-breasted type was favoured. Buff birds are still popular on farms and smallholdings in Wales today because they do seem to grow well on free range grazing. They are also easier to dress for the table than white or grey geese.


Exhibition Brecons are beautiful birds with pink bills and pink feet to match. They have deep brown eyes. Their buff body feathers are each edged with a lighter shade.  Weights range from 16-20lbs in the gander and 14-18lbs in the goose. 


During the 1980s, it was difficult to find Brecons which fitted the standard description. Many farm 'buffs' are just buff geese. Unless the pink bill is selected for, the dominant orange beak will prevail. Such birds are not Brecons. Fortunately the breed became very popular and much sought after as a pet, ensuring its survival. Hand-reared Brecons can be very tame, and the goose is an excellent sitter and mother.

Brief facts on keeping geese

 

Photos and hyperlinks to other pages below

Left: Brecon goose preening 

 

Please note that all photographs and text on this website belong to Chris & Mike Ashton. They should not be reproduced
without our permission i.e. they should  not be used for advertising or commercial purposes.
Please telephone 01938 554011 for availability of books or stock 
Please note that  we are in the UK near Shrewsbury. This is a UK ( England and Wales) website. We do not sell hatching eggs.
We breed a limited quantity of pure breeds of domestic geese and Indian Runner ducks each year. Involved in this hobby for over twenty five years, we have a wide knowledge of the breeds of waterfowl in the UK. Our books contain advice on housing and bedding, feeding, water supply, breeding and rearing ducks and geese, and avoiding diseases.