How rare are Midget whites?

[iajewel]

I hear that Midget whites are rare, however many hatcheries have them, are they really rare? or just not so popular?

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

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[iajewel]

I agree that birds carried by several hatcheries would not be rare, yet the American Conservatory has them listed as Critical.. Which has me scratching my head.

 

[SlowMoneyFarm]

What is rare overall and rare in one area isn't necessarily the same. If you're in a pocket of several breeders with stock it might not be rare for you but the person 3 states over may have no one closer! Also there are specific definitions of the critical rare term with ALBC. "Critical: Fewer than 500 breeding birds in the United States, with five or fewer primary breeding flocks (50 birds or more), and estimated global population less than 1,000. " How many flocks have over 50 birds? And if you're near one of those selling 200-300 poults per month no they're likely not endangered to you. Unfortunately one tornado can reduce numbers in a hurry!

 

[Arielle]

Numbers can be misunderstood; the ALBCruns surveys and contacts sources to TRY to have accurate numbers. THis isn't an easy task IMO.

THe important thing is to understand that BBW rules the commercial world and very few people provide their own table birds; from what I have read, the BBB is the next in number, but far, far fewer than the BBW. THere are a few other commercial varieties that are not very popular now as well.

Over the last 10 years the numbers of breeding pairs of the "heritage" turkeys has been increasing according to the ALBC numbers. More people have taken an interest in raising and keeping the old breeds. There are newer varieties available now as breeders have persued an interest in developing more turkey breeds. Only a few are APA recognized; those are the primary ones ALBC surveys for.

When you compare the number of birds the BBW/BBB versus all other turkeys, the population of "other turkeys" is almost nil. This is what, IMO, the ALBC is trying to convey and that more people are needed to have turkeys. FRom people who breed them, to those that want a pet or want a nice Sunday dinner.

If you are interested in breeding other than BBW/BBB, go for it. There are many to choose from! Like Midget Whites.

As for hatchery birds, they have a practical purpose; I woudn't have such an interest in poultry now if I hadn't started with "hatchery" birds. THey are a resource; and just because someone has only a few birds, doesn't make the flock better than a hatchery bird unless better selection has been applied. Becoming a good breeder of birds takes a lot of knowlegde and practice IMHO. Work with what you can find . . . .learn as you go.

Enjoy the Midget whites and good luck. I tried to copy the web address for the midget whites at ALBC. THere are other resources too. I looked into them but didn't think I could find stock. I will look into them again.

http://www.albc-usa.org/cpl/midgetwhite.html

 

[iajewel]

I have a small flock of Midget whites, I just got them. Next year I would like to add an unrelated Tom to my flock. I only know of one person breeding them and they are half way across the country in Carolina. I hate to have eggs shipped that far. Does anyone know a breeder in IA, NE, KS or MO that would have Toms? I would drive that far.

 

[Steve_of_sandspoultry]

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[iajewel]

Thank you all for helping me to understand all this. It does make sence and yet another reason to join the APA.