03/28/2025
WHY YES, I DO SHIP HATCHING EGGS!
By Karen Warner, My Little Farm©2025
Shipped eggs are a wonderful, albeit risky, way to get birds from breeders who live a distance away. My stock has its foundations from wonderful breeders from across the nation. I could not have managed this without their willingness to ship to me. I have had hatch rates from zero to 90% with shipped eggs. Was it worth it to me? You bet!
I have been shipping hatching eggs for around 8 years and have learned a few things during that time. I thought I would share how I do it. But first…buyers must understand that buying shipped eggs is a gamble due to the treatment packages receive at the hands of the shipping agent (USPS). My customers rarely, rarely get broken eggs due to the way they are packed, but I have no control over the way the PO handles them in transit. (Please note: this is not meant to be a criticism of the PO. It is just the nature of the way it is.). I always consider a hatch rate of 50% on shipped eggs to be excellent, so buyers should absolutely not expect to get 12 chicks from 12 eggs. Just remember broody hens only average 70%😄, so if you decide to buy shipped eggs it is important to have proper expectations. There is no guarantee.
The photos below document some of my process. First, all eggs are dated when I remove them from the nest and the breeding pen is noted in a circle, ensuring that I send only the freshest. The unwashed eggs are kept in a cool room to protect the bloom deposited by the hen. Each one is positioned in the interior box containing 2 sets of thick foam shippers. The foam holds each individual egg very snuggly. The interior box is closed and securely taped. I insert padding or an egg “crate” in the bottom of the bigger box, then position the small box in the center of the bigger box. Padding is inserted on all sides of the smaller box and then the bigger box is sealed. There is absolutely no movement of the contents inside the box. A snug fit is key! The box is weighed, a shipping label is generated, then I drive the precious cargo to the PO and get a receipt. Finally, buyer is sent the tracking information.
Hopefully, My Little Farm customers benefit from the loving care that is taken to get live embryos to their new homes. Now it is their turn to apply their hatching expertise and TLC. With skill and a measure of good luck, new hatchlings will emerge in 21 days. 💝