"EVERYBODY KNOWS" . . .

. . . or do they?

Here are some "everybody knows" type of information in regards to hatching egg auctions and/or shipped hatching eggs. I'm listing these things because everybody does NOT know, and anyone interested in buying/selling eggs this way should be more in the know.

It is typically assumed that a seller has no responsibility for shipped eggs after it leaves their hands. It is also typically assumed that you are buying the arrival of intact eggs, NOT the guarantee or implied guarantee of any hatch rate. A typical "good" hatch rate on any shipped hatching egg would be about 50%, although I have personally hatched as high as 80% hatch rate on shipped eggs - I was very fortunate and had bought from a great poultry fancier who shipped fresh eggs and packaged well.


Some egg terms:

FERTILE - An egg that could develop an embryo is fertile. This does NOT mean it is necessarily an egg that will hatch. Also, it is NOT a safe assumption that because it did not hatch, that it was not fertile.

VIABLE - An egg that is capable of surviving (hatching). Not all fertile eggs are necessarily viable. Some eggs may develop, but the chick may not pip, or the chick may pip but die before hatching. This is an incubation problem, typical of incorrect humidity.

CLEAR EGG - A clear egg is NOT necessarily an infertile egg. A clear egg is one in which no embryonic development is seen. This could be due to improper egg storage, rough handling in shipping, or incubator problems as far as regulation of heat, opening incubator too frequently or for too long a period of time, chilling an egg.


I have seen a lot of terms misused in ads and auction listings for hatching eggs, ie, "my fertility rate is high" yeah, but how about your hatch rate? It is not necessarily the same thing.

"Circumstances beyond my control" are words often used by an egg seller in reference to after the eggs leave their care. This covers: rough handling by the Post Office or other shipping courier when the package is in route; changes in temperature or the eggs being in direct sunlight, or very near a heater or air conditioner, or out in the cold; eggs being x-rayed. As far as after the eggs are received by a buyer, the seller does not necessarily know or should not be held responsible for "circumstances beyond control" that could have an adverse effect on a buyer's hatch, such as: not "resting" the eggs properly before setting; not properly disinfecting the incubator (or other equipment) between hatches; incubation equipment failure; power outages; kids or pets disturbing the incubator; incubator having been placed in too warm or too cool an area; incubator being opened too often or for too long a period of time; improper humidity levels; improper turning, etc.

What a seller CAN (and should) do to ensure the safest possible transport of eggs: Ship the freshest eggs available, package eggs securely in new, never re-used cartons and/or shipping material, mark packages of hatching eggs clearly and plainly, use a service such as Track & Confirm to know where a package is, COMMUNICATE with the buyer so they will know when to expect the eggs.

What the BUYER can do to be a helpful business partner: ask any questions about the type of birds or auction/sale terms before bidding; send payment right away along with any shipment instructions and make sure seller has correct shipping address; COMMUNICATE with the seller when the eggs are received, and most sellers are interested in the condition of the eggs on receipt. If you are unsatisfied, take photos to share with the seller and COMMUNICATE with the buyer about it. Try to resolve any potential problem before leaving auction feedback. Leave feedback when eggs are received, you should NOT wait until the hatch to "rate" the seller.

If you should come across hatching egg auctions or sale conditions that seem a little snitty or over-structured....this is most likely a very good and concerned seller who has been burned or who is otherwise especially cautious about his/her hatching egg practices. If you are in doubt, look at a seller's feedback. Communicate with the seller and ask questions to ease your concerns. Visit a website, if one is listed, and get to "know" the seller through his or her writings.

I will also say that I was caught off guard in avery odd way once, an unidentified email that was not signed with a first and last name and not sent from that person's account came through, demanding to know the condition of my premises. It did not sound like a typical "I'm interested in learning about the birds you have" or "I'd like to buy from you" type email, it seemed very much like a personal attack - from a complete stranger who seemed to have too detailed of information about me. The same person was appalled that I would look them up online by a simple search of the email address.

From this, I have learned when making inquiries to include my name, some indication of my whereabouts (city, state or the like) and specifically how I would prefer to be reached by an individual or company will help someone a) identify the customer and/or special considerations as to shipping; b) show in good faith that I am worth spending time answering and am not trying to "pull one over" on anybody and it is just plain decent business etiquette.

As for the freshness of eggs and hatchability; I have seen on sources on the internet that you must incubate an egg within 7 days of being laid; THIS IS NOT CORRECT. It is BEST to do this, and the viability or hatchability of the egg may drastically decrease after 7 days, especially if it is not stored under optimal conditions. At CBF Super Quail, however, we have successfully hatched eggs up to 4 weeks old! Yes, the hatch rate did decrease some, but not drastically. These were not shipped eggs but all eggs were treated in like manner and stored in the same place and in the same conditions.

As long as customs will allow it; eggs CAN be shipped to some International destinations, and buyers can get okay (not always "good" but "okay") hatch rates. Just like eggs shipped within the US, the shipping and handling of the eggs and package cannot be guaranteed, and some packages may arrive in better shape than others, but there is some hope if a reasonable number of fresh eggs are shipped that you may get a good hatch. I hope to be able to report on this soon!

ALSO: Do research as to a seller's claims if there is anything you question. People may copy wording, themes, or policies from other auction listings or other sellers and may have info that is not necessarily accurate. For example, I have heard mention of insuring hatching eggs USPS. Now, you may find a USPS that will sell you the insurance, but it is not in their policy, to the best of my knowledge, to refund anything in the event of a problem. Under no circumstances will they cover eggs for hatchability; but I just checked with 800-ASK-USPS and the official answer I received was that some POs may sell you insurance, but the USPS will only accept a claim on broken insured eggs if they are sent Registered and Insured, according to a telephone call but an email stated, "Insurance may be purchased for perishable items. However, the claim will not be paid if the item is spoiled." My opinion is that it is a big waste of money! Checking on UPS at 800-PICK-UPS, I learned that there is no insurance available there, you ship at your own risk. Fed-Ex claims that they do not offer insurance at all; but they do provide protection for a shipment based on its "declared value", their maximum liability in the event of damage or loss. That is all of the information that they would provide in an email inquiry. No courier will guarantee hatch rate or the like, only that the egg arrive intact. I have also contacted DHL about the same information, and will post an update with that info as well.




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