How many straight-run bantam chicks to order to get 6 hens?

[lceh]

I'm planning to order my first chicks this spring, probably from Cackle Hatchery because they seem to be the only place I've found that has both bantam Buff Brahmas and bantam Buff Orpingtons. If I want to end up with 6 pullets, how many straight-run chicks should I order? I was guessing 15, but maybe that's way too many.... Is there a formula most people use? I've heard it's dangerous to order straight-run standards because the hatcheries fill the sexed orders first, then the straight run orders get the leftovers, but since no one sexes bantams I assume your straight run odds are a little better...?

 

[Mrs.Puff]

Well, since you've got a 50/50 chance of m/f, 15 sounds like a good # to me. My bantams seem to have a high proportion of roo chicks. 5 out of 6 on the first run, and 50% both of the second hatchings. If you get some extra hens, you can always give them away, or send them to freezer camp.

 

[orcasislandchickens]

I ordered the bantam buff orpingtons from Cackle last year and at least my streight run order was filled as hatched. I wound up with far more hens than roosters . That said, Cackle does have a minimum order. I believe early in the spring it is something like 25 or 30 chicks total with at least five of each breed. Later in the spring when it warms up the minimum order drops to 15. With 6 pullets you probably want at least 15 to 20 anyway.

I found that a few extra hens was just fine, the roosters went away in a big batch early, as soon as I was pretty sure I could tell the sex (6 wks). I kept the hens a little longer and was able to choose my favourites. I dumped the nasty tempered ones ( this is pretty dogone subjective with this breed, but there is always one that cannot get along) and wound up with a realy nice little group. Unwanted hens are easy to find homes for.

 

[kuntrygirl]

I ordered 25 straight run from Cackle last year and I'm sorry to say but I had about 19 roostes. I will NEVER order straight run again.

 

[purr]

I got lucky ordered a dozen straight run banty's all different breeds. Got 7 hens.
I ordered from MMH though

 

[orcasislandchickens]

kuntrygirl did you order bantams? I know what you mean about the advantages of ordering pullets. I think it is well worth the extra money, but usually bantams are only available streight run.

 

[kuntrygirl]

hey orcasislandchickens. to answer your question, i did order batams. and i agree with you when you say that it is well worth the extra money to order just pullets. my order in february will be only pullets.

 

[ThreeBoysChicks]

I ordered 6 bantams of various breeds last year. I ended up with 1 Hen, 4 Roos and 1 that did not make it past day 2 (refund for htis one).

MyPetChickens apparantly sexes bantams. I have never ordered from them, but I may if I want any more bantams hens.

 

[Opcnup]

Assuming that you get a straight run and not scammed your chances of getting at least 6 of any given gender are as follows (Number of birds:% chance of 6 hens)

(6:1.563%) (11:50.0%) (16:89.5%) (21:98.7%)
(7:6.250%) (12:61.3%) (17:92.8%) (22:99.2%)
(8:14.45%) (13:70.9%) (18:95.2%) (23:99.5%)
(9:25.39%) (14:78.8%) (19:96.8%) (24:99.7%)
(10:37.7%) (15:84.9%) (20:97.9%) (25:99.8%)

 

[lceh]

Wow, what a great chart! That really helps me out, thanks. Turns out I won't be able to order from Cackle anyway, since I live in Virginia and apparently they don't ship to Virginia anyway. Now I think I'll go to Meyer and order 15 straight-run bantams and hope for the best. 84% odds sound pretty good to me. If I order from Meyer I have a couple of friends who'll pool their order with me and split shipping. If I buy 6 sexed pullets from MPC I'm on my own, and paying the small order shipping charge is just way too pricey.

Anyone have any experience with straight-run bantams from Meyer? I'm looking at bantam Buff Brahmas, White Wyandottes, and Araucanas.