Raising Midget White turkeys—a true heritage, small-statured turkey breed—is an excellent choice for small farms, homesteads, or backyard poultry keepers with limited space. Developed in the 1960s by Dr. J. Donald Buss at the University of Massachusetts, Midget Whites retain natural behaviors like foraging, mating, and broodiness, unlike commercial breeds such as the Broad Breasted White.
Size:
Toms: 13–16 lbs
Hens: 8–10 lbs
Lifespan: 5–9 years (longer than commercial breeds)
Temperament: Calm, friendly, curious, and adaptable
Egg production: 40–60 eggs/year (light tan, medium-sized)
Broodiness: Hens frequently go broody and make excellent mothers
Status: Rare heritage breed (listed by The Livestock Conservancy as “Watch”)
✅ Key advantage: Full natural reproduction—no artificial insemination needed!
Start poults right to ensure strong development.
Temperature:
Week 1: 95°F
Reduce by 5°F weekly until fully feathered (~6–8 weeks)
Space: Start with 1 sq ft/poult; increase as they grow
Bedding: Pine shavings (avoid cedar or slippery surfaces)
Feed: 28% protein turkey starter (never medicated chick starter)
Water: Shallow drinkers to prevent drowning; add electrolytes or niacin (100 mg/gal) for leg health
Draft-free: Keep brooder area clean, dry, and protected
💡 Tip: Midget Whites are hardy but still vulnerable as poults—watch for pasty butt and chilling.
Their smaller size means they need less space—but still require quality shelter.
Coop:
Indoors: 4–6 sq ft per bird
Roosts: Provide low roosts (12–24” high)—they like to perch but aren’t heavy
Outdoor run:
15–25 sq ft per bird minimum
Secure fencing (they can fly short distances—clip one wing or add netting if needed)
Nesting boxes: 12”x12”x12” for hens; place in quiet, dark corners
🌿 Bonus: They thrive in mixed flocks but may be bullied by aggressive chickens—introduce carefully.
Feed for health, not rapid growth.
0–8 weeks: 28% turkey starter
8–20 weeks: 20–22% grower feed
Adults: 16–18% layer or maintenance feed
Free-ranging: Excellent foragers! They eat insects, seeds, greens, and fallen fruit
Supplements:
Grit (if foraging)
Oyster shell (for laying hens)
Niacin (especially in early weeks to prevent leg issues)
⚠️ Never feed medicated feed—it’s toxic to turkeys.
One of the Midget White’s greatest strengths!
Breeding ratio: 1 tom to 4–6 hens
Mating: Natural, active, and reliable
Egg laying: Starts at 6–8 months; seasonal (spring/summer)
Incubation:
28 days (natural or artificial)
Humidity: 50–55% (increase to 65–70% at hatch)
Broody hens: Excellent mothers—often raise poults successfully with minimal intervention
🥚 Tip: Collect eggs daily if not hatching; store at 55°F and 75% humidity for up to 7 days before incubating.
Midget Whites love to roam and scratch.
Provide shade, dust bathing areas, and clean water outdoors
Rotate pasture to reduce parasite load
Protect from aerial predators (hawks) with netting or guardian animals if needed
✅ Their small size makes them ideal for tractors or mobile pens on pasture.
Generally hardy, but watch for:
Blackhead disease (if in areas with chickens—practice pasture rotation)
Respiratory infections (ensure good ventilation)
External parasites (mites, lice)—dust baths help prevent
Leg issues (rare, but ensure proper niacin and non-slippery surfaces)
🛡️ Prevention: Clean coop, dry bedding, quality feed, and low stress = healthy birds.
Perfect size for small families (ideal Thanksgiving bird at 10–16 lbs)
Naturally breed and raise young—sustainable flock possible
Excellent foragers = lower feed costs
Rare breed conservation—help preserve genetic diversity
Docile and personable—great for homesteads or 4-H projects
Source from reputable heritage breeders (e.g., through The Livestock Conservancy or APA-certified hatcheries)
Avoid crossbreeding if conserving pure genetics
Check local ordinances—some areas allow turkeys even in suburban zones due to their quiet nature
Raising Midget White turkeys blends practicality, conservation, and homesteading joy. They’re a sustainable, manageable, and rewarding alternative to industrial turkey breeds—offering delicious meat, natural behaviors, and a connection to poultry heritage.
Related Keywords: Midget White turkey care, raising Midget White turkeys, Midget White poult care, heritage turkey breeds, small turkey breed, Midget White turkey feeding, Midget White turkey housing, how to raise Midget White turkeys, Midget White turkey for meat, Midget White turkey eggs, natural turkey breeding, Midget White broody hens, Midget White turkey temperament, backyard turkey breed, Midget White turkey coop, pasture-raised Midget White turkeys, raising rare turkey breeds, Midget White turkey health, turkey conservation breeds, Midget White turkey foraging