If you’ve been shopping for chicks, you’ve probably seen the term “straight run” and maybe wondered what it means — and why some hatcheries, like ours, choose not to sex our chicks before sending them home with you.
Straight run simply means the chicks are sold as hatched — a natural mix of both males and females. We don’t sort or separate them by sex. And while it may sound like the “easy way out,” we actually believe it’s the better way — for the birds, for small farms, and for our customers.
Here’s why we proudly remain a straight run hatchery:
1. More Humane Practices
Sexing chicks (especially day-old) is a stressful process for the birds, and it often leads to a heartbreaking reality: male chicks from egg-laying breeds are typically culled by large commercial hatcheries because they aren’t profitable. That means millions of healthy little lives are ended simply because they hatched the “wrong” sex.
As a straight run hatchery, we believe every chick deserves a chance. Whether they’re destined to lay eggs, guard the flock, or fill a freezer, all birds have a purpose on a farm — and we trust our customers to make use of both hens and roosters.
2. Healthier Chicks
Skipping the sexing process means less handling and stress right after hatching, which often results in stronger, healthier chicks. We want our birds to thrive from day one — and being gently moved from incubator to brooder (not turned over, prodded, and sorted) helps set them up for success.
3. Better for Backyard Flocks and Homesteads
Roosters get a bad rap, but they can play a vital role in your flock. They’re natural protectors, they help maintain order, and yes — they fertilize eggs if you’re interested in hatching your own. By raising a straight run, you get to choose which roosters to keep, and you can process the extras for meat, sell or give them away, or use them to expand your own flock.
For many homesteaders, a straight run gives more value than an all-pullet (female) order — especially if you’re in it for the long haul.
4. More Affordable for Everyone
Sexed chicks cost more — not just because of the labor involved, but because hatcheries must cover the loss of all those unwanted roosters. By offering straight run only, we keep costs down and pass those savings on to you. That’s part of making small-scale farming and backyard poultry more accessible.
5. It Reflects Nature
Straight run is how nature intended. Every egg has a 50/50 chance of being male or female, and we believe farming should work with nature — not against it. By embracing that natural ratio, we help keep poultry farming more sustainable, ethical, and transparent.
In Conclusion
Being a straight run hatchery isn’t just a business decision — it’s a values-based one. We believe in humane, sustainable farming practices that support both our animals and our customers. Whether you’re growing your flock, teaching your kids about life on the farm, or raising your own meat birds, a straight run hatch gives you the most honest, natural start.
So when you order from us, you’re not just getting chicks — you’re making a difference in how poultry is raised and respected.