"Straight run" is a term given for ducks that are not specified or sorted by gender. At Shirlock Acres, we fulfill all straight run orders first from a true "straight run" mix before we seperate males or females for other orders. That being said, ordering straight run ducks is a good option if you are looking for a mixed flock without preference toward a certain amount of males or females. Both males and females can be used for meat.
Meat & Egg Production
Having straight run ducks can be a good option if you are looking for both meat and eggs. Female ducks are able to lay eggs without males, and some layer breeds, like Khaki Campbells, can lay up to 250 eggs a year. Both male and female ducks can provide great meat, with male ducks having larger, meatier carcasses, especially in breeds like Pekin and Muscovy, while female duck carcasses are lighter and sometimes the meat a bit more delicate.
Temperament
Though a straight run flock can tend to feel more "natural", it can also be quite unpredictable. As the ducklings are maturing into grown ducks, things can be quite simple, as they are all eating, sleeping, and growing together. As the ducks mature however, the drakes (males) can start to develop more personality and throw weight around, especially if there are too many for the number of females. It is wise to stick with a ratio of 1 drake to 4-6 hens in your flock of straight run ducks, to avoid extra squabbles and a restless, tense flock.
Straight Run Muscovy Ducks
We love Muscovy ducks! First they are the best brooders and mothers. Second phenomenal meat!! Shirlock Farms has excellent ducks and customer service! Looking forward to ordering again in the spring. HIGHLY RECOMMEND SHIRLOCK ACRES!! Thank you!!
Kerri Stoltz
Stress-Free Order Experience
Order arrived quickly and all were very lively. They sent an extra female too! Nice thing to do. Very reasonably priced. Will order from again. Thanks for the stress free order!
John Smith
Straight Run Duck FAQs
In larger orders, you’ll usually see close to a 50/50 mix of males and females. But with a small order, the ratio can swing either way—you might end up with mostly drakes, mostly hens, or anything in between. For example, if you order 10 ducklings, it’s even possible (though not very likely) to get all males or all females. If you want a specific number of males or females, we advise you not to order straight run.
Straight run works best for people who are flexible and can use both sexes. For example, homesteaders who plan to raise extra drakes for meat, or people who don’t mind rehoming or processing extra males, usually do well with straight run orders.
Yes. Many people who raise ducks for meat choose straight run, raise all the ducklings together, and then keep a few females (and maybe one drake) for eggs while using the rest, especially extra males, for meat.
Yes. Having too many drakes and not enough females can lead to overbreeding, stress, feather loss, and increased fighting among males. A common rule of thumb is about four to six females per drake in a mixed flock, though the ideal ratio can vary by breed and available space.
Why Choose Shirlock Acres?
NPIP-Certified Hatchery
From the moment a duckling hatches at Shirlock Acres, its health is our top priority. Because we’re an NPIP-certified hatchery, every bird is carefully monitored and tested to ensure its illness-free. When your ducklings arrive, they’ll be bright-eyed, energetic, and ready to thrive in your flock.
Nearly 20 Years of Experience
In 2007, a few ducks in the Shirk family’s backyard sparked a passion that soon grew beyond our fence line. Today, Shirlock Acres ships ducklings across the country, but our heart is still rooted in family care. Roger and Derek Shirk continue to raise every bird with the same honesty and attention they’ve always given their own. Curious how it all began? You’ll find the full story on our About Us page.
State-of-the-Art Hatchery
From the moment they hatch, our ducklings are raised in a safe, well-kept environment where every detail is watched over with care. That attention ensures the birds you receive are healthy, thriving, and eager to settle into their new home.
Our Delivery Process
At Shirlock Acres, we take duckling delivery seriously. Before shipping, we hand-check every duckling and only send the strongest, freshest birds. You’ll get a tracking number and a heads-up when your ducklings ship, plus you’ll need to pick them up from the post office as soon as they arrive. We tweak our shipping process for the weather, and if anything goes wrong within the first 24 hours, we’ll make it right.
Shipments go out Mondays (every Monday for Muscovy, every other Monday for Pekin & Silver Appleyard)
Ducklings are shipped 0-2 days old, hand-checked for health
Boxes include soft bedding, ventilation, dividers, GroGel, and heat packs in winter
Tracking number and pickup notification provided
Immediate care: preheat brooder (85-90°F), provide warm water with electrolytes, starter feed, and monitor activity
Live arrival guarantee: refund or replacement if ducklings don’t survive the first 24 hours (photo required)
Fast 3-5 Day Deliveries On All Ducklings
NPIP Certified Hatchery From Lancaster, Pa
Save Up To 40% Or More On Bulk Orders
