The Broad Breasted White Turkey is a commercially bred turkey and one of the most popular choices for meat production in the United States. Known for its large size, fast growth, and tender meat, it is often the turkey of choice for Thanksgiving feasts across the country. While they are primarily raised for their meat, they also have unique features and care requirements that set them apart from other turkey breeds.
What Makes the Broad Breasted White Turkey Special?
The Broad Breasted White Turkey is a unique breed, specifically developed to meet the demands of modern farming and food consumption. What makes this bird special is its remarkable ability to grow quickly and develop large amounts of meat, particularly in its breast area. This is why it is commonly referred to as a “broad-breasted” bird.
Their white feathers are another distinguishing trait. Unlike turkeys with darker feathers, the Broad Breasted White Turkey’s white feathers leave minimal visible pinfeathers after processing. This makes them more visually appealing as a market-ready product. Their rapid growth rate, ease of handling, and high feed-to-meat conversion efficiency make them the backbone of the poultry industry in the United States.
How Big Can a Broad Breasted White Turkey Get?
The Broad Breasted White Turkey is known for its impressive size, which is one of the reasons why it dominates the turkey meat market. On average, males, or toms, can grow to weigh between 30 to 50 pounds, while females, or hens, typically weigh 15 to 25 pounds. Some toms raised in ideal conditions can even exceed 50 pounds.
Their large size makes them unsuitable for natural reproduction because their heavy breasts make it physically difficult for mating to occur. Instead, artificial insemination is used to breed these birds. The size of this breed makes it a practical choice for commercial farmers and home producers looking to maximize meat yield.
What Do Broad Breasted White Turkeys Eat?
The diet of a Broad Breasted White Turkey is designed to promote rapid growth and optimal health. They require a nutrient-rich diet that includes a balance of proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. Most farmers feed them commercial turkey feed, which is specially formulated to meet their unique dietary needs.

What Is a Broad Breasted White Turkey’s Favorite Food?
Broad Breasted White Turkeys enjoy a diet rich in grains, such as corn and soybeans, which are primary components of their commercial feed. These grains provide them with the energy needed for rapid growth. In addition, they can enjoy foraging for insects, seeds, and small plants if they have access to open spaces, though this is less common in commercial farming setups.
Do They Need Special Feed?
Yes, Broad Breasted White Turkeys require specially formulated feed that supports their fast growth and large size. Most farmers start young turkeys, called poults, on a high-protein starter feed that contains around 28% protein. As they grow, their feed is adjusted to a lower protein content, typically around 18-20%, to maintain a healthy growth rate without causing health problems.
Can You Feed Them Kitchen Scraps?
While Broad Breasted White Turkeys can eat certain kitchen scraps like vegetable peels, fruits, and leftover grains, these should only be given as occasional treats. Their primary diet should remain balanced and nutrient-rich commercial feed. Overfeeding kitchen scraps can disrupt their nutritional balance and hinder their growth.
Are Broad Breasted White Turkeys Easy to Raise?
Raising Broad Breasted White Turkeys can be relatively easy, provided you understand their specific needs. They grow quickly, are generally hardy, and thrive well under proper care. However, their rapid growth can lead to health issues, such as joint problems and difficulty walking, especially if their diet or living conditions are not managed properly.
Housing is an important consideration. These birds need spacious, clean, and ventilated housing to prevent diseases and promote healthy growth. While they can be raised in free-range environments, most are kept in controlled environments to optimize their growth and protect them from predators.
Can Broad Breasted White Turkeys Fly?
No, Broad Breasted White Turkeys cannot fly. Due to their large size and heavy bodies, they lack the ability to lift themselves off the ground, even for short distances. This makes them easier to manage and contain on farms, as they are less likely to escape their enclosures.
How Long Does It Take to Raise a Broad Breasted White Turkey?
One of the reasons Broad Breasted White Turkeys are so popular is their fast growth rate. On average, it takes only 16 to 20 weeks for them to reach market weight, depending on their diet and living conditions.

How Fast Do They Grow?
These turkeys are bred specifically for their ability to grow at an accelerated rate. In just a few weeks, poults can double or triple their weight. By the time they are 16 weeks old, toms can weigh upwards of 30 pounds, while hens usually weigh around 15 to 20 pounds.
Why Are They Ready So Quickly?
The Broad Breasted White Turkey’s rapid growth is a result of selective breeding and optimized feeding practices. They have been bred to convert feed into meat as efficiently as possible, making them one of the most productive meat birds available.
Do They Require Special Care During Growth?
Yes, these turkeys require careful attention during their growth period to prevent health problems caused by their rapid weight gain. Proper nutrition, clean water, and comfortable living conditions are essential. Farmers often monitor their turkeys closely for signs of leg or joint issues and adjust their feed or housing as needed.
Why Is the Broad Breasted White Turkey So Popular?
The Broad Breasted White Turkey is extremely popular due to its efficiency and profitability. It produces a large amount of high-quality, tender meat, which is why it dominates the Thanksgiving and holiday turkey market in the United States. Additionally, its rapid growth and ease of handling make it a favorite choice for both commercial farmers and small-scale producers.
The bird’s white feathers also make it more visually appealing as a processed product, further boosting its demand among consumers. Its consistent size, flavor, and texture have made it a staple on American dinner tables for decades.
The Bottom Line
The Broad Breasted White Turkey is a remarkable bird that plays a central role in the poultry industry. Known for its large size, rapid growth, and excellent meat quality, it is the go-to choice for farmers and consumers alike. While raising these turkeys requires specific care and feeding practices, their efficiency and productivity make them well worth the effort.
Whether you are considering raising them on a small farm or simply curious about the bird behind your Thanksgiving feast, the Broad Breasted White Turkey is a fascinating breed with much to offer. Their unique characteristics and contributions to the American poultry market ensure they will remain a favorite for years to come.