Broad Breasted White Turkey

Broad Breasted White Turkey

The White Broad Breasted Turkey is the most popular commercial breed for meat production, known for its impressive size and excellent feed-to-meat conversion ratio. As one of the largest turkey breeds, it is primarily bred for eating and typically cannot reproduce naturally due to its broad structure.

To ensure high hatchability, parent stock are artificially inseminated. These turkeys have a shorter lifespan than heritage breeds and are specifically bred to provide quality meat. Most Thanksgiving tables in America feature a White Broad Breasted Turkey, a breed recognized by the American Standard of Perfection in 1874. Order yours today from Chicken Coop Company, and enjoy a premium meat bird for your table!

Appearance:

• Feather Color: Broad Breasted White Turkeys have pure white feathers that are smooth and sleek. The white plumage is one of the defining features of this breed, making them look clean and uniform. They are highly recognizable and distinguishable from other turkey breeds which have darker or more varied colors.
  
  
• Body Type: This turkey has a large, broad and muscular body, that’s why it’s bred for meat production. The broad chest and deep body makes it an excellent source of tender and lean meat. They have a heavy full body that’s perfect for large cuts of turkey meat. Toms are much larger than hens.
  
  
• Head and Beak: Broad Breasted White Turkeys have a large head with a prominent snood (the fleshy protuberance hanging from the beak) which is typical of male turkeys. The snood is long and can get more pronounced during mating displays. Their beak is small and sharp for their natural feeding habits. They also have wattles (the fleshy hanging parts under the neck) which are red and prominent.
  
  
• Legs and Feet: The legs of the Broad Breasted White Turkey are strong and muscular for their large body. The legs are yellow or orange in color and the feet are sturdy so the turkey can move around effectively despite its size.
  
  

Temperament:

• Calm and Docile: Broad Breasted White Turkeys are generally calm and docile. They are not as aggressive or flighty as some other breeds, so they are easier to handle in farm settings. However, their large size can be cumbersome and they may need some assistance when moving them around or managing them in small spaces.
  
  
• Not Very Active: These turkeys are not as active as other breeds. They will forage and roam in larger outdoor spaces but they are more prone to staying in one place for extended periods because of their large size. They are not the best choice for those looking for an active or free-range bird as they may struggle with mobility.
  
  
• Breeding and Mating: Broad Breasted White Turkeys have been bred for meat production and are not naturally capable of breeding on their own due to their large size and physical limitations. Artificial insemination is commonly used in commercial breeding operations. This breed is raised for meat production and not for breeding purposes in backyard flocks.
  
  

Meat Production:

• Fast Growth Rate: One of the main reasons Broad Breasted White Turkeys are popular in commercial meat production is their fast growth rate. They can reach slaughter weight in 16 to 20 weeks. They are highly efficient for meat producers.
  
  
• Large Carcass: Broad Breasted White Turkeys are prized for their large, plump body and generous breast meat which is tender and flavorful. The broad breast is one of the breed’s most sought after feature, making it perfect for large cuts of turkey, such as turkey breasts, legs and other prime cuts.
  
  
• High Yield: Due to their large body size, Broad Breasted White Turkeys have high yield of edible meat compared to other turkey breeds. They are processed for whole turkeys and packaged cuts such as ground turkey and breast meat.
  
  

Health and Care:

• Hardy: Despite their large size, Broad Breasted White Turkeys are generally hardy and can thrive in different environments. However, due to their weight, they may struggle in extreme temperatures especially in hot weather. Proper ventilation and shade is necessary to ensure their comfort in warm climates.
  
  
• Feeding: Like all large poultry, these turkeys need a diet rich in protein and nutrients to support their fast growth. They are fed specialized turkey feed especially during the early stages of life to promote muscle development and weight gain. Care must be taken with their diet to avoid nutritional imbalance.
  
  
• Health Concerns: One of the main health concerns for Broad Breasted White Turkeys is their joint health, especially in their legs. Their fast growth can put a lot of strain on their joints and can cause leg weakness or lameness. Due to their large size, they are more prone to heart issues and respiratory problems. Regular veterinary care and proper housing can help mitigate some of these risks.
  
  

Housing:

• Space: While they are not as active as other turkey breeds, Broad Breasted White Turkeys still need space to move around. They need access to outdoor areas to forage but they also need protection from predators. A secure, clean and dry shelter is necessary especially during extreme weather.
  
  
• Flooring: For Broad Breasted White Turkeys, proper flooring is important. Soft, absorbent bedding such as straw or wood shavings can help reduce stress on their joints and prevent injury as they move around.

What is a White Broad Breasted Turkey?
A large commercial turkey breed known for meat production.

Can White Broad Breasted Turkeys reproduce naturally?
No, they generally require artificial insemination due to their size.

Are White Broad Breasted Turkeys suitable for long lifespans?
No, they have shorter lifespans compared to heritage breeds, as they are bred for meat.

What is the feed efficiency of this breed?
They have an excellent feed-to-meat conversion ratio.

Where can I buy White Broad Breasted Turkey poults?
Available at Chicken Coop Company—place your order today!

Broad Breasted White Turkey Facts