General Introduction of the Breed
The Midget White Turkey is a domestic turkey breed developed in the United States. It is also known as the “Midget White” due to its small size and completely white coloration.
This breed was developed in the 1960s by Dr. J. Robert Smyth at the University of Massachusetts. It was created to provide a smaller, more manageable turkey suitable for small farms and backyard poultry keepers. The breed was developed by crossing commercial turkeys with smaller heritage varieties to produce a bird with excellent meat quality and good foraging ability.
Table of Contents
| Common Name | Midget White Turkey |
| Scientific Name | Meleagris gallopavo (domestic turkey) |
| Origin | United States |
| Size | Small to medium (Males ~13 lbs, Females ~8 lbs) |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years |
| Talking Ability | None |
| Colors | Pure white feathers, light pink skin |
| Noise Level | Moderate (typical turkey sounds) |
| Social Behavior | Friendly, social, bonds well with humans and other poultry |
Physical Characteristics
The Midget White Turkey is a small to medium-sized turkey breed. Males (toms) typically weigh around 13 pounds (6 kg), while females (hens) weigh approximately 8 pounds (3.6 kg).
Its feathers are pure white, giving it a clean and bright appearance. The skin is light pink, and the legs are typically pale or bluish-white.
Midget White Turkeys have dark-colored eyes, usually brown or black. Their beaks are light-colored, often pale pink or ivory.
They have small, compact bodies with a broad chest and short legs. The tail feathers are medium-sized and fan out like other turkey breeds. Their wattles and snoods are more pronounced in males.
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Personality and Temperament
Midget White Turkeys are known for being intelligent and easy to manage. They are highly curious and display interactive behaviors.
They are quite active and enjoy foraging, making them a great choice for free-range environments. Although they require space to roam, they are less demanding in terms of exercise than larger breeds.
These turkeys are social and bond well with their owners. They often display friendly and docile behavior, making them suitable for small-scale poultry keepers.
Midget White Turkeys get along well with other birds and poultry species. They are generally non-aggressive and can be housed with chickens and ducks.
They are not particularly sensitive to changes but prefer a consistent environment for optimal health and well-being.
Care and Maintenance Requirements
Midget White Turkeys need space to roam and forage. If kept in confinement, they should have a secure, clean coop and enough space to move around comfortably.
They are well-suited for both small farms and larger backyard setups. A minimum of 10 square feet per bird is recommended for outdoor access.
Being feathered white, they require protection from dirt and damp conditions to keep their plumage clean. They do not shed much, but their outdoor environment should be regularly maintained.
Midget White Turkeys are relatively hardy but should be protected from extreme cold and excessive heat. Cold drafts and overly wet conditions should be avoided.
Basic hygiene practices include keeping their coop clean, providing fresh water, trimming nails when necessary, and checking for parasites regularly.
Diet and Nutrition
These turkeys thrive on a high-protein diet. A balanced commercial turkey feed or poultry ration is recommended.
They require higher levels of protein during their growth stages. For maintenance, grains, greens, and insects can supplement their diet.
Avoid feeding spoiled or moldy food, salty snacks, chocolate, or toxic plants.
Young birds require regular feeding, while adults can be fed twice a day with free access to forage.
Health and Common Medical Issues
Midget White Turkeys are generally hardy but are prone to common poultry diseases such as respiratory infections, blackhead disease, and external parasites.
They have no extreme breed-specific health vulnerabilities but require a well-maintained environment to prevent infections.
The average lifespan of a Midget White Turkey is around 5-7 years in controlled farm settings.
Routine veterinary care includes vaccinations, deworming, and health checkups to ensure overall well-being.
Training and Behavior Management
They are relatively easy to manage and can be conditioned to follow routines, especially in feeding and roosting.
Positive reinforcement, such as treats and a calm environment, helps in handling and training them.
Early socialization with humans is beneficial. Hand-feeding young turkeys can encourage trust and familiarity.
They respond well to consistent handling and a structured environment.
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Interaction with Other Animals and Humans
Midget White Turkeys are gentle with children, making them good for families with young members.
They are sociable with other poultry and can live harmoniously with chickens, ducks, and geese.
They are suitable for small-scale farmers, homesteaders, and poultry enthusiasts rather than large commercial operations.
These turkeys are not highly independent and tend to enjoy human companionship, especially when raised from a young age.
Price and Availability
The price of a Midget White Turkey chick varies but generally ranges from $10 to $20 per chick, depending on the breeder and location.
Before purchasing, ensure the breeder follows ethical breeding practices and maintains healthy stock.
The best place to acquire them is from certified hatcheries, small-scale poultry breeders, or poultry farms specializing in heritage breeds.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The Midget White Turkey is an excellent breed for small-scale farmers, backyard poultry keepers, and homesteaders. Its compact size, friendly nature, and manageable growth rate make it a popular choice.
This breed thrives best in open, natural settings with space to forage and roam. It is ideal for those who want a sustainable, homegrown meat source.
Potential owners should consider the space requirements, feeding regimen, and predator protection when raising this breed.
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FAQ
What size is the Midget White Turkey?
It is a small to medium-sized breed, with males around 13 pounds and females about 8 pounds.
Where was the Midget White Turkey developed?
It was developed in the United States during the 1960s.
Are Midget White Turkeys good for small farms?
Yes, they are ideal for small farms and backyard poultry keepers due to their manageable size and friendly nature.
What color are Midget White Turkeys?
They have pure white feathers with light pink skin.
How long do Midget White Turkeys live?
Their average lifespan is about 5 to 7 years under proper care.
