Normandy Goose

The Normandy goose, or Oie Normande, is a traditional French domestic goose from Normandy. Many lines show sex-linked or strongly sex-dimorphic plumage: ganders are commonly mostly white, while females show gray and white saddleback or pied markings. This made the breed useful on farms where young stock could be sorted more easily than in many plain white breeds. It is a medium utility goose historically kept for table birds, seasonal eggs, and grazing in orchards and pasture.

Normandy geese do well where they have grass, clean water, and shelter from foxes, dogs, and severe weather. Breeding stock should be chosen for fertility, sound legs, good body width, and the expected male and female color pattern, since careless crossing quickly blurs the trait. The breed is uncommon outside specialist and conservation flocks, so buyers should ask whether birds are true Normandy geese or simply gray-and-white farm geese from mixed backgrounds.