photo #2077788

Beltsville Small White TurkeyThe Beltsville Small White was developed to fill a clearly identified consumer need. In the early 1930s most turkeys raised in the US had dark colored plumage, were medium to large in size and had a narrow breast without substantial meat. A 1936 survey found that 87% of home consumers wanted a New York-dressed bird (blood and feathers removed) weighing between 8 and 15 pounds. They also wanted a bird that was meaty, well-finished and free from dark pin feathers. The U.S. Department of Agriculture research center at Beltsville, Maryland, therefore, began a breeding program between 1934 and 1941 to create a bird that would answer the consumer demand for a bird that would fit apartment sized refrigerators, small ovens, and small families. Researchers developed the new Beltsville Small White variety from a genetic foundation that included the White Holland, White Austrian, Narragansett, Bronze, and Wild Turkey. Purebred young Beltsville turkey hens weigh 10 pounds and young toms weigh 17 pounds. The plumage is white, with the head red to bluish white. The beard is black, the beak is horn colored, and the eyes are dark brown. Shanks and toes are pinkish white.Hatching eggs - $ 25.00Chicks (straight run) - $ 50.004 weeks and > (straight run) - $ 78.00> 6months Hen / Jennie - $ 100.00>6 month Tom / Gobbler- $ 100.00Pair - $ 200.00 / Trio - 275.00