Why are straight run chickens cheaper?

Straight run chicks are sent “as hatched”–they are not sexed first and then separated out into each order. The reason is that expert sexers of day old chicks get top dollar since it is such a specialized skill–this is why ordering all straight run birds is less expensive than ordering all females.

Are straight run chickens good egg layers?

Buying straight run chicks can be an economical choice for someone who wants to start a flock that will lay fertile eggs. Because of the strong probability of at least half the chicks being male, straight run chicks cost less than chicks of the same breed that have been separated by sex.

What kind of chickens are straight run?

Straight run is a random distribution of chicks. They have not been sexed to determine the gender. They are sold ‘as hatched’. So if you purchase 6 chicks, you could have 0-6 hens and/or 0-6 roosters.

What is the difference between chickens and pullets?

Hen: A female chicken. Point-of-lay Pullet: A young female, just about to lay, near 5 months old. Pullet: A young female chicken, under 1 year old.

Why are male chickens not used for meat?

But what happens to the male chickens? Since they don’t lay eggs, male chicks aren’t valuable to farmers. Nor are they sold as meat because the breeds of chicken that are raised for egg production are different from those that are raised for meat, according to the Washington Post.

Are straight run chickens female?

A: Straight run chicks are an “as hatched” mix of male and female chicks. So keep in mind that it’s possible to order 8 straight run chicks and end up with 8 males. You should only order straight run chicks if you don’t care how many roosters or hens you end up with!

What are the odds of getting a rooster?

Getting a rooster is very common. Even when you buy “sexed” chicks, you have a 10% chance of getting a rooster. You need to know that it happens all the time. But I find that most people just get all excited about the “idea” of keeping chickens in their urban backyard.

Is it OK to eat the first egg a chicken lays?

Pullet eggs are the first eggs laid by hens at about 18 weeks old. These young hens are just getting into their egg-laying groove, meaning these eggs will be noticeably smaller than the usual eggs you come across. And that’s where the beauty in them lies – quite simply, they are delicious.

Which is more expensive a Pullet or a straight run chicken?

When purchasing sexed chicks, expect to pay more for pullets than straight run chicks and less for cockerels. One of the most expensive parts of the whole ‘hatching’ process is hiring somebody to do the sexing. Outside of commercial farming operations, chicken sexing is a highly specialist skill. Only a few people know how to do it accurately.

Is there such thing as a straight run chicken?

Because knowing the gender of chicks is so important to most people, and because sexing chicks is a challenging job, straight run chickens also tend to be less expensive. Straight run chickens can also come from a wider variety of sources.

Are there pros and cons to straight run chicks?

Obviously, there are cons to straight run chicks. If you are specifically after hens or roosters, then the straight run is not the way to go. It would be far, far better for you, in the long run, to pay for the birds that have been sexed.

Can you have pullets and chicks at the same time?

Ultimately, most homesteaders end up welcoming both chicks and pullets to their operation at one time or another. It’s useful to know how to raise both ages for when you’re presented with the opportunity to expand or replace your flock. Rachel Tayse is an urban farmer in Columbus, Ohio.