Beltsville Small White
Animal identity

Recognize what makes this population itself.

White feathers helped avoid dark pinfeathers on a dressed carcass. Beltsvilles retain the ability to mate naturally, an important practical distinction from broad-breasted commercial strains. Their smaller table size suited families, although restaurants and retailers often preferred larger birds.

The Conservancy's reference profile describes large eggs with pale cream to medium brown with spotting shells. These descriptions help compare the population's traditional farm role; actual performance also depends on age, breeding line and management.

Appearance introduces the animal; a registry standard explains a documented breeding population. A photograph, color or familiar informal name alone cannot establish every individual’s membership.

Recorded roles

Meat

Egg Color

Pale cream to medium brown with spotting

Egg Size

Large

Market Weight

10 – 17 lbs

Temperament

Variable from docile to aggressive

Reference values from the breed’s conservation profile. Weight describes a reference animal, not a universal feeding or fitness target. Temperament varies with breeding, individual experience and handling.