What to Consider When Ordering Shipped Hatching Eggs for Your Backyard Chickens

Starting a backyard flock can be an exciting and rewarding venture, and hatching your own chicks is one of the most satisfying ways to grow your flock. However, if you’ve decided to order shipped hatching eggs, there are several important things to keep in mind to ensure the best possible success. Shipped eggs can be a bit tricky, and the process involves more than simply cracking them open and letting them hatch! Let’s break down what you should consider when ordering hatching eggs for your backyard chickens.

1. Egg Quality Matters

The quality of the eggs you’re receiving is the foundation of a successful hatch. High-quality eggs are essential for a good hatch rate. When ordering, make sure to ask the seller about their fertility rates. Reputable breeders will usually have a good track record and be happy to share their success rates with you.

Look for eggs that:

• Are clean but not washed. The bloom, the natural protective coating on the egg, helps prevent bacteria from entering the shell. Too much washing can remove this protective layer.

• Appear uncracked and free of major imperfections. Tiny imperfections can be normal, but large cracks or chips will lower the chances of hatching.

2. Reliable Shipping and Packaging

One of the biggest risks with ordering hatching eggs is the journey they take. Eggs are delicate and can easily be damaged in transit, which can affect their fertility or cause them not to hatch at all.

Make sure the eggs are:

• Carefully packaged with plenty of cushioning, such as foam, bubble wrap, or packing peanuts. Good sellers will go above and beyond to ensure that eggs won’t move around or get jostled during transport.

• Shipped quickly. You don’t want the eggs to sit in a warehouse for too long. The faster the eggs are shipped, the better their chances of hatching successfully.

3. Choose a Reputable Seller

The seller you choose can make or break your hatching experience. Look for a seller with a solid reputation and positive feedback from other customers. You can often find reviews on social media groups, websites like eBay, or forums dedicated to poultry.

Things to look for in a seller:

• A reputation for sending fertile, well-packaged eggs.

• Positive reviews regarding customer service and communication.

• Transparency about hatch rates and egg quality.

4. Understand Your Breed Preferences

When ordering hatching eggs, it’s crucial to know which breed you want. Certain chicken breeds may have specific requirements or tendencies that may affect how easy they are to hatch or how well they adapt to your local climate.

Things to consider when choosing a breed:

• Temperament: Some breeds are more docile and friendly, while others can be more flighty or independent.

• Egg production: Some breeds are prolific layers, while others may be more ornamental or slower to lay.

• Hardiness: Make sure the breed is suited to your climate. If you live in an area with extreme temperatures, choose a breed that can handle the heat or cold.

5. Timing is Everything

The timing of your order is vital, especially when it comes to shipping. Eggs should be shipped as quickly as possible to minimize the time they spend in transit. Ordering during extreme weather seasons (e.g., summer heat or winter cold) can be risky, as temperature fluctuations can harm the eggs.

Best times to order hatching eggs:

• Spring and fall are generally ideal, as the weather is more temperate and the eggs won’t face extreme temperatures.

• Avoid ordering eggs during very hot summer months or deep winter unless the seller uses temperature-controlled shipping methods.

6. Incubation Setup

Before your eggs arrive, make sure your incubation setup is ready. Having a working incubator is critical to ensure the best hatch rates. The incubator should be clean and properly calibrated, and you’ll need to make sure you have the correct temperature (99.5°F/37.5°C) and humidity levels for your eggs.

Also, keep in mind that some shipped eggs may be “rested” before incubating. It’s often recommended to let them sit for 12–24 hours at room temperature before placing them in your incubator, as this can help improve the hatch rate.

7. Expect a Lower Hatch Rate

One of the realities of ordering shipped hatching eggs is that they can experience a lower hatch rate than eggs that were not shipped. Eggs are vulnerable during transportation, and while most breeders take great care in packaging, there are still risks involved. Rough handling, temperature extremes, and other factors can contribute to non-fertile eggs or eggs that don't hatch.

Tips to improve your hatch rate:

• Order a few extra eggs to account for any potential issues.

• Make sure you’ve followed all incubation instructions to a T.

• Maintain a clean, stable environment for the eggs and chicks once they hatch.

8. Return and Refund Policies

Before placing your order, inquire about the seller’s return or refund policies in case something goes wrong. Some sellers may offer a refund or replacement if a significant number of eggs fail to hatch, while others may not. Knowing your options in advance will help you manage expectations and avoid disappointment.

9. Consider the Costs

Shipping hatching eggs can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of the eggs themselves and the shipping fees. While you might be able to find affordable eggs, don’t forget that you'll also need to invest in an incubator, heating elements, and possibly even a brooder setup once the chicks hatch.

Final Thoughts

Ordering hatching eggs can be an exciting way to expand your backyard chicken flock, but it requires careful consideration and preparation. By choosing a reputable seller, understanding the logistics of shipping, and preparing your incubation setup in advance, you’ll give your eggs the best chance of hatching successfully. Be patient, as hatching eggs is a bit of a waiting game, but with some planning, you’ll soon be welcoming new little chicks into your backyard!