The only way I could get the quality & breeds that I wanted was to hatch shipped eggs, so I've been at it for almost a year now. I've had 0 percent & I've had good hatches.
I absolutely believe the biggest factor that made a difference in failure and success was when I bought an auto-turner. The less you open & close the lid, the more stable you keep everything, the better chance you have.
Having said that, I also am absolutely sure that there have been some shipments that definitely were scrambled by the USPS while in transit. So, you have no control over that factor, you just have to take your chances there.
My flock is now closed; I have the breeds I want & can raise my own from here on out. I feel like it was worth the time, effort & $$$ I put into getting the chickens I wanted.
I absolutely believe the biggest factor that made a difference in failure and success was when I bought an auto-turner. The less you open & close the lid, the more stable you keep everything, the better chance you have.
Having said that, I also am absolutely sure that there have been some shipments that definitely were scrambled by the USPS while in transit. So, you have no control over that factor, you just have to take your chances there.
My flock is now closed; I have the breeds I want & can raise my own from here on out. I feel like it was worth the time, effort & $$$ I put into getting the chickens I wanted.