Egg Color:
Cream to light tan often showing speckles. Eggs are medium-sized for turkeys, with shell shade and size varying by hen and season.
Character:
Calm, alert, and generally friendly compared to larger heritage turkey breeds. Beltsville Small Whites are known for being adaptable to small farms, and easier to handle than heavier commercial strains. With regular human interaction, they can be curious and make great pets.
Appearance:
A compact, white-feathered heritage turkey developed in the United States in 1934. Their smaller frame, clean white plumage, and balanced body type make them well-suited for small-scale farms and homesteads. Selection focuses on overall health, sound structure, fertility, and functional movement rather than extreme size. Their white feathers also result in a clean-looking carcass if used as a table bird.
Laying & Production:
Beltsville Small White hens are moderate layers, typically producing approximately 120 eggs per year during the breeding season. They are valued for good fertility, hatchability, and steady reproduction. As a heritage breed, individual production and egg size may vary.
Use:
A true dual-purpose heritage turkey that can be kept as pets, breeders, or table birds. Their manageable size makes them especially suitable for smaller properties where full-sized commercial turkeys may not be practical