Midget White Turkeys for Sale

The Midget White turkey for sale is a compact American heritage turkey developed for poultry keepers interested in a smaller bird with a broad body and the ability to reproduce naturally. Its white plumage, manageable size, and unusual breeding history make it a distinctive choice for small farms, homesteads, and heritage poultry collections.

Unlike the large commercial turkeys developed primarily for meat production, the Midget White was selected to retain useful body characteristics in a much smaller bird. It also has a place in American poultry history because its development involved university breeding programs and later efforts to preserve the variety.

At Rookcrest Livestock, we recognize the interest in distinctive turkey varieties that offer more than appearance alone. If you are considering Midget White Turkeys, learning about their size, breeding characteristics, and care requirements can help you decide whether they are right for your flock.

Midget White Turkey Characteristics

The Midget White has a compact frame, white plumage, and a relatively broad breast. Although smaller than many commercial turkeys, it retains the general body shape associated with domestic turkeys.

Key characteristics include:

• Pure white plumage
• Compact body size
• Broad breast development
• Natural mating ability
• Potential for useful egg production
• An American breeding history
• Suitability for heritage poultry and small-farm flocks

Individual birds vary in size, temperament, and reproductive performance. Good nutrition, appropriate housing, and careful breeding management remain important regardless of the variety.

History of the Midget White Turkey

The Midget White was developed in the United States during the 1960s through breeding work associated with Dr. J. Robert Smyth at the University of Massachusetts. The aim was to produce a much smaller turkey while retaining a broad breast and useful body structure.

Its documented breeding history describes the use of Broad Breasted White and Royal Palm turkey genetics, followed by selection for compact size and body balance.

Further development continued under Dr. B. C. Wentworth at the University of Wisconsin. Selection also considered reproductive traits, including fertility, egg production, and hatchability.

After the university flocks were dispersed, the variety depended increasingly on private breeders and poultry keepers to maintain it. This history is one reason the Midget White remains of interest to people who value uncommon American turkey varieties.

Midget White vs. Beltsville Small White

The Midget White and the Beltsville Small White are separate turkey varieties. Their similar names and white plumage can make them easy to confuse, but their breeding histories are different.

The Midget White was developed from Broad Breasted White and Royal Palm ancestry. The Beltsville Small White emerged from a separate breeding program associated with the United States Department of Agriculture.

Although both varieties are relatively small and white, they should not be treated as interchangeable when selecting breeding stock. If you are maintaining a particular line, confirm the identity and breeding background of the birds you purchase.

Size and Mature Weight

The Midget White was developed specifically to be smaller than the large commercial turkey.

The Livestock Conservancy lists approximate mature weights of:

• Adult males: 20 pounds
• Adult females: 10 pounds

Historical breeding records also describe targets of approximately 13 pounds for toms and 8 pounds for hens at 20 weeks of age. These historical figures relate to birds at a particular stage of development and should not be confused with the current adult-weight estimates.

Actual weight depends on age, genetics, nutrition, health, and management. If you are purchasing birds for breeding, ask about their age and the information available about their parent stock.

Eggs, Hatching, and Natural Breeding

The Midget White is notable for retaining the ability to mate naturally. This is an important characteristic for keepers who want to maintain a breeding flock without relying on artificial insemination.

Historical records from the Wisconsin breeding program report approximately 60–80 eggs per year, with hatchability of around 75–80% under that program’s conditions. These figures provide historical context rather than a guarantee of performance for every modern flock.

Egg production and hatching results vary with the hen’s age, health, nutrition, fertility, egg handling, and incubation conditions. Hens used for breeding should receive a balanced diet, clean water, suitable nesting areas, and enough space to remain in good condition.

If you are interested in hatching eggs, remember that successful incubation depends on more than the breed alone. Proper collection, storage, handling, and incubation management all contribute to the result.

Raising Midget White Turkey Poults

Midget White poults need careful attention during their early weeks. Provide a clean, dry brooder, suitable warmth, fresh water, and a balanced turkey starter feed. Check them regularly to ensure they are feeding, drinking, and developing normally.

As they grow, increase their available space and provide secure housing that protects them from predators and severe weather. Good hygiene and appropriate feeding help support healthy development.

Before bringing poults home, make sure your brooder and supplies are ready. Young turkeys are more vulnerable to unsuitable temperatures, damp bedding, and poor management than established adult birds.

Housing and Farm Suitability

The Midget White’s compact size may appeal to poultry keepers who have less room than would be needed for a large commercial turkey. However, these are still active domestic birds that require appropriate space, shelter, and daily care.

Plan for secure fencing, protection from predators, clean water, suitable feed, and a dry resting area. Regularly observe your birds for changes in appetite, activity, or general condition.

The variety may interest:

• Small farms and homesteads
• Heritage poultry breeders
• Keepers interested in compact turkey varieties
• Poultry conservation projects
• People who want a naturally breeding turkey flock

Consider your available space, local poultry regulations, feeding costs, and long-term goals before selecting any turkey variety.

Midget White Turkeys at Rookcrest Livestock

Rookcrest Livestock focuses on rare and specialty poultry for customers interested in distinctive breeds and breeding projects.

If you are looking for Midget White Turkeys, contact us to ask which birds or eggs are currently available. When enquiring, specify whether you are interested in poults, mature birds, or hatching eggs so we can address the type of stock you need.

Availability can change with the breeding season and current stock. Please confirm the age, availability, and relevant details of the birds before placing an order.

Interested in Midget White Turkeys?

Explore the Rookcrest Livestock shop or contact us directly to enquire about current availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Midget White Turkey?

The Midget White is a compact American turkey variety developed during the 1960s. It was selected for smaller size, broad body structure, and useful reproductive characteristics.

How big do Midget White Turkeys get?

The Livestock Conservancy lists approximate mature weights of 20 pounds for males and 10 pounds for females. Individual birds may vary.

Can Midget White Turkeys mate naturally?

Yes. The variety retains natural mating ability, making it suitable for breeding programs that maintain their own flocks.

How many eggs do Midget White hens lay?

Historical records from the Wisconsin breeding program report approximately 60–80 eggs annually. Actual production varies between hens and management systems.

Is the Midget White the same as the Beltsville Small White?

No. They are separate varieties with different breeding histories, despite their similar names and white plumage.

Are Midget White Turkeys rare?

The variety is uncommon and has attracted interest from heritage poultry keepers and conservation-minded breeders. Check The Livestock Conservancy for its latest conservation classification.

Are Midget White poults or hatching eggs available?

Availability depends on current breeding stock and season. Contact Rookcrest Livestock to confirm whether poults, mature birds, or hatching eggs are currently offered.

Discover the Midget White Turkey

The Midget White combines a compact frame with a broad breast, white plumage, and the ability to reproduce naturally. Its development through American university breeding programs also gives it a distinctive place in domestic turkey history.

For poultry keepers looking for a smaller turkey variety with an established breeding background, it is worth considering alongside other heritage turkeys.

Contact Rookcrest Livestock to enquire about Midget White Turkey availability.