Beltville Whites - Is there a quality standard to breed towards?

[PAzoo]

I have a trio - have my first hatch - to gain experience with turkeys

I absolutely love them.. Now I 'd like to build a quality Beltsville flock

Is there a written standard? Thank you - everyone is so generous -

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Yes there is, they were admitted into the APA in 1951. You should be able to do a search on the APA standard for the BSW. If you can't find it let me know. I have alot of info on them

Steve in NC

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

Beltsville Standards

Disqualifications : Male more then 3 lbs over weightand females more then 2 lbs over weight. There shall be no cut for underweight well fleshed mature birds since small size is desirable.

Standard weight - Old tom - 21lbs young toms - 17 lbs Old hen - 12lbs young hen 10 lbs

Head: Red,changeable to bluish white
Beak: Light pinkish horn
Eyes: Dark brown
Throat wattle: Red-changeable to pinkish white
Shanks and Toes: Pinkish white
Plumage: Web,fluff and quill of feathers pure white in all sections
Beard: Black

That is straight out of the American Standard of Perfection. Hope that is what you are looking for.

 

[PAzoo]

This is absolutely the information I was looking for - thank you both gentleman!

 

[spook]

Book of Standards- from what I understand its the pathway to the gems! lol.

Now, with the Midget Whites, I thought that is what the name of them is, but now the name has changed to Beltsville's.

So PAzoo, and others, aren't the Beltsvilles the ones with that black beard poking through like a bow tie?
Just curious. Thanks!

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

Now, with the Midget Whites, I thought that is what the name of them is, but now the name has changed to Beltsville's.

No not the same type completely different

So PAzoo, and others, aren't the Beltsvilles the ones with that black beard poking through like a bow tie?
yup​

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
The Beltsville Small White and the Midget are close but not the same. The BSW was developed in the 1930's and was at it's peak the number one selling turkey in the US, The Midget was developed in the 50's. We have them both here. The BSW is the better layer of the two but the Midget is the better table bird.

Steve in NC

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

Quote:
No not the same type completely different

So PAzoo, and others, aren't the Beltsvilles the ones with that black beard poking through like a bow tie?
yup

Harp,

where did you get your BSW's from?

Steve in NC

 

[Harp Turkey Ranch]

Harp,

where did you get your BSW's from?

Steve in NC

Jerry Pool​

 

[PAzoo]

another question - one i am hesitant to ask... one of the hens I purchased in March - from the previous years hatch... has the start of a small beard and I swear her snood has grown.... Is this a documented experience with BWT or an I sending too much time with my turkeys?

She was the broodiest of the two hens ... but my Tom was quick to sit on the nest as well....