white turkeys

[Dangler]

Howdy y'all, new kid on the block here.

I'm looking for somebody that knows why there are so many white turkeys in Ingham County east of Mason. I know of a couple flocks around here that have 30 birds and 5 or 6 of them are white to some degree, usually all hens. Don't think they're smokey greys. Domestic cross-breeds? I'm waiting on an answer from the DNR too. You seen 'em? What'cha think?

[david]

dangler, any news on those white turkeys. did you find out anything interesting from the DNR. let us know

[Dangler]

Yes, David, I contacted the DNR with my question, twice in fact, and was not impressed with the response. First I asked them if all these white birds are smokey greys or wild/domestic hybrids, and they said "White turkeys are called smokey greys". Sort of a non-answer.

So I tried again. I asked if a ratio of 1 of every 5 or 6 birds being a smokey grey was normal, comparing it to piebald deer. The answer was "yes". I ain't buying it.

I have watched more hours of turkey video, from all over the U.S., than I care to admit, and have only seen one smokey grey. This makes me think they are fairly scarce, like piebald deer. So why do the flocks of 30 turkeys around here have 5 or 6 smokey greys? It doesn't make sense. Either the DNR is clueless about these local birds, is trying to hide something about hybrids, or I am truly blessed to see so many strange birds.

Why are you interested? Are you from around here (Mason), or have you seen the same sort of thing?