What is a straight run chicken?

A straight run chicken refers to a group of chicks that have not been sexed or separated by gender. This means that when purchasing straight run chickens, there will be a mix of male and female chicks in the group.

Straight run chickens are typically less expensive to purchase compared to sexed chickens, as sexing chicks can be a labor-intensive process that requires specialized equipment and expertise. However, one downside of straight run chickens is that you may end up with more roosters than hens, which can lead to potential issues if you are looking to raise hens for egg production.

When raising straight run chickens, it is important to have a plan for any excess roosters that may need to be rehomed or processed for meat. Additionally, providing adequate space and resources for both male and female chickens is important to prevent aggression and ensure the well-being of the flock.