Usually with show type cochin bantams here in the u.s., they will have poor fertility (too much fluff on their bottoms) unless the breeder uses a.i. or trims off the feathers.. With hatchery types there are no issues. With shipped eggs, the post could have x-rayed the package or something. It is common for shipped eggs to have chicks that partially develop but then die part way through incubation. I dont know how often those dead embryos are deformed as i dont open them to check, but I would say it is definitely common to get zero hatch on shipped eggs. I have hatched hundreds of shipped eggs but it is hit and miss. When you receive the eggs in the mail, candle them immediately and you can usually tell if the p.o. mishandled them. If they are good, the air cells will be properly positioned and not deformed or loose and swirling when you move the egg. Some are so shaken you will see swirling bubbles. The air cell should be small and stationary in the large end of the egg, without moving when the egg is turned upside down. If all is well it is a good sign they will hatch if fertile. Make sure to place with air cell up in the incubator, unless they are laying on their sides which is fine in some incubators. Just dont put the pointy end up. Without candling that first day and first gaining a lot of incubation experience starting with local eggs, I wouldnt blame the seller. The reason they mightve been rude is they feel defensive you were blaming them right away. Incubation humidity does cause trouble if too high the first 18 days. I like to keep it around 50% or less until day 18 when i raise it. If they send new eggs (some sellers will ship more for ship cost) candle right away and let us know the results. Best of luck! I have hatched many without turning also, so doubt that is the problem. With show type cochin bantams, i felt lucky this year to get 3 chicks out of $80 on shipped eggs.
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