Hatching Eggs: What to Expect

Hatching eggs are not the same as buying a chick. Even when eggs are fertile when laid, the final hatch is affected by many variables after the egg leaves the hen.

Fertility Is Not a Hatch Guarantee

Fertility means an egg was capable of beginning development. Hatchability depends on breeder condition, egg age, storage, handling, shipping, temperature, incubation equipment, humidity, ventilation, turning, contamination, and other factors.

Shipped Eggs Carry Extra Risk

Postal and carrier handling can expose eggs to vibration, impact, pressure changes, heat, cold, delays, and orientation changes. These conditions can damage an egg without leaving obvious damage on the shell.

Inspect on Arrival

Check the package promptly. If there is visible shipping damage, photograph the package and eggs before discarding packaging. Follow any claim instructions that apply to the shipment.

Use Reliable Incubation Equipment

Verify incubator temperature with a trustworthy instrument, manage humidity intentionally, provide ventilation, turn eggs as appropriate for the species, and follow species-specific incubation timing.

Natural Variation Happens

Breeding animals can produce variation, especially in projects involving multiple traits. We describe our breeding goals as accurately as we can, but a hatch can include a range of normal outcomes.

By purchasing hatching eggs, the buyer accepts that hatch results cannot be guaranteed once the eggs leave our control.