The delightful Midget White Turkey is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a smaller, more manageable turkey for your Thanksgiving feast. It has all the flavor of a traditional turkey packed into a small package.
What is the Midget White Turkey?
The Midget White Turkey is a heritage breed developed in the 1960s As the name suggests, it’s a miniature version of the Broad Breasted White turkey, weighing in at just 18-20 lbs for toms and 10-12 lbs for hens This makes them perfect for smaller families or those who want to avoid the hassle of dealing with a large bird.
Here are some key characteristics of the Midget White Turkey:
- Small and compact: Perfect for smaller families or those with limited space.
- Heritage breed: This means they are naturally more disease-resistant and hardy than commercial breeds.
- Docile and friendly: Makes them a good choice for families with children.
- Delicious flavor: The Midget White Turkey has a rich, flavorful meat that is sure to please your taste buds.
Where can I find Midget White Turkeys?
Midget White Turkeys are relatively rare, but they can be found at some hatcheries and farms specializing in heritage breeds. You can also check online classifieds or poultry forums.
Here are some places where you can find Midget White Turkeys:
- Murray McMurray Hatchery: One of the largest hatcheries in the United States, Murray McMurray Hatchery offers Midget White Turkeys for sale.
- Greenlands Farm: This family-owned farm in North Carolina raises Midget White Turkeys and other heritage breeds.
- Cackle Hatchery: Another large hatchery that offers Midget White Turkeys.
- Rare Breeds for Sale: This online marketplace connects buyers and sellers of rare breeds, including Midget White Turkeys.
How do I care for Midget White Turkeys?
Midget White Turkeys are relatively easy to care for. They require a balanced diet of high-quality feed and fresh water. They also need access to a clean and dry shelter and a safe outdoor space where they can roam and forage.
Here are some tips for caring for Midget White Turkeys:
- Provide a balanced diet: Feed your turkeys a high-quality turkey feed that is specifically formulated for their needs.
- Make sure they have access to fresh water: Change their water daily and make sure it is always clean and fresh.
- Provide a clean and dry shelter: Their shelter should be well-ventilated and free from drafts.
- Give them access to a safe outdoor space: This is where they can roam, forage, and get exercise.
- Protect them from predators: Make sure their enclosure is secure and that there are no easy ways for predators to get in.
The Midget White Turkey is a great option for anyone looking for a smaller, more manageable turkey. They are easy to care for, have a delicious flavor, and are a great way to connect with your food. If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful Thanksgiving turkey, consider the Midget White Turkey.
Here are some additional resources that you may find helpful:
- The Livestock Conservancy: https://livestockconservancy.org/index.php/heritage/internal/midget-white-turkey
- The National Turkey Federation: https://www.eatturkey.com/
- The American Poultry Association: https://www.amerpoultryassn.com/
Starting Your Own Flock
To start your own flock of Midget White turkeys, you can order eggs, started birds or breeder adults. Our eggs are sold by the dozen and hatch after roughly 1 month.
Two-month-old started birds are available for purchase; they can be left outdoors without your or the hen’s supervision. They reach full maturity after another 5 months.
Breeder adults will reproduce and raise their young independently. It takes a total of 7 months for a turkey to reach full maturity after hatching. Midget Whites have an average lifespan of 5 to 7 years.
Heritage Breed Midget White Turkeys
- Designed to supply meat for the family table, working birds
- Homestead Ready is the perfect size to raise in your backyard.
- Naturally Reproducing – No artificial insemination required
- Naturally Nesting – Incubate and raise their own young
- Excellent Taste – Lean meat with remarkable eating qualities
- Friendly Demeanor – Integrate well with people and animals
- Tiny Size: The perfect amount of meat to serve at supper
Midget Whites are a breed of domestic turkeys named for their white plumage and small size. They are the smallest breed of turkey, with hens weighing 8 lbs and toms averaging 15 lbs. Midget Whites are a rare heritage breed classified as “Critical” by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Raised in backyards and on urban homesteads, Midget White turkeys have become more well-known in recent years for being friendly, small-flock birds with excellent eating qualities.
BEST TURKEY BIRD BREEDS – Heritage, White Holland, Royal Plam, Standard Bronze, Blue Slate Turkey
FAQ
Is there a miniature turkey?
Do they sell mini turkeys?
How big does a mini classic turkey get?
|
Age in Weeks
|
Artisan Gold
|
Mini Classic
|
|
14
|
10.16
|
20.15
|
|
15
|
10.73
|
21.92
|
|
16
|
11.15
|
23.49
|
|
18
|
11.45
|
25.89
|
What is the smallest turkey breed available it is only a wee bit bigger than a large chicken?
What is the smallest turkey breed?
The breed is the smallest standard variety of turkey, and with toms at roughly 13 lbs and hens 8-10 lbs, it weighs only slightly more than the largest chickens. A rare heritage turkey breed, the Midget White is classified as “Critical” by the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.
How much does a rare turkey weigh?
These calm birds are good layers, mate naturally, and weigh between 12 to 21 pounds. This breed, developed in the 1960s is a cross between the Royal Palm and the Broad Breasted Whites. They are calm and have a good disposition but are a smaller breed weighing in between 8 and 20 pounds. Why are Heritage Breeds Rare Turkey Breeds?
What is a small white turkey?
The breed was inspired by the Beltsville Small White, an extinct heritage breed, making it a distinct variety that’s appealing to farmers for its ease of raising and quality. Before starting your turkey farm, it’s essential to prepare their living space adequately.
Are Midget White turkeys a good breed?
Make sure you get the right breed when seeking your Midget White turkey. While Midget White turkeys are tiny compared to the turkeys we’re used to, these turkeys are just as charming as other domesticated breeds, if not more so. If you’re considering turkey farming on a smaller piece of land, you may want to consider Midget Whites.