Mailing eggs, how do you pack them them for shipping?

[capthollis]

My father lives about 5 hrs from me, and has plenty of fertilized eggs he could ship me. If I got him to send me some how many days do they have before the egg dies during shipping, and should he pack them with an ice pack? Thanks friends.

 

[dickhorstman]

I wrap each egg in newspaper and then place it small end down in an egg carton. I use a #7 box from the post office 12x12x8inches. I line the bottom of the box with crumpled up newspaper place the egg carton in the box and then crumpled up newspaper around and over top. To ship more than 2 dozen you will need a larger box.

 

[capthollis]

How much time do I have Dick if my dad were to send them, I mean how long can they last in circulation without circulation? Thank you sir

 

[luvmychixandducks]

As long as the eggs are fresh and don't get over eighty degrees during transit, they ought to be fine. You don't want them to begin to develop en route.
The November weather in Texas usually has temps between the 40's and 60's.
The optimum storage temp for fertile eggs held prior to incubation is about 50 degrees.
Have him send you a couple dozen - let them rest once you receive to settle the air sacs and put them in the 'bator.
You'll know when you candle them for the first time whether or not they are still viable or are duds.
If the eggs are free and you are only paying for the shipping, take a chance and see what happens.
(I would skip the ice pack for the first attempt.)

 

[luvmychixandducks]

The 12x12x6 inch box is about $15.45 in postage USPS when shipped domestically.
You can use a smaller box but you will get fewer eggs in it.
Wrap them just like Dick indicated- I got eggs shipped with less care than Dick takes, and lost only three eggs out of four dozen.
My hatch was not successful but that was not the fault of the shipping process- I had humidity issues. Over 30 eggs developed in varying degrees before I lost them. Can't blame the shipping for that.
All the best on your project- keep us appraised of your result. USPS delivers in 2-3 days so timing is not a problem with their prority flat rate boxes. .

 

[capthollis]

Thanks for the comments , y'all are great!!! I will keep you posted for sure. I'm so excited about incubating , it sounds like an experience me and my 3 yr old little girl will have fun doing this together . Thanks Again!!

 

[kizanne]

For someone that close you could use any box almost and still ship priority for around $6. If you have access to a 1/2 paper box (hold 5 reams) they work really well because they are sturdy. At the dollar store you can get bubble wrap for $1 that will wrap about 17 eggs. Put crumpled newspaper at the bottom and sides or a cut egg carton. put a layer of bubble wrapped eggs (I use 12" long strip for each egg goes around at least twice). I then place a little cardboard like cereal box before doing the next layer of bubble wrapped eggs. The general rule is you want a stiff box or enough cushion a little deformation doesn't injure an egg and they should be packed tight enough that they don't jiggle into each other with movement. When you box is closed give it a little shake if you hear things moving that isn't good. USPS is going to give it way more than a little shake.

I haven't shipped much but my last three shipments with this type of wrapping has had no broken eggs.