Shipped eggs and chick health

[Susan Skylark]

Anybody notice a significant difference between chicks from shipped vs home raised eggs? Obviously hatch rates tend to be lower but what about deformity, slower growth rates, higher sickness and death rates? I’ve only shipped eggs thrice but my current batch is a little frustrating compared to a dozen home raised batches. 10% deformed chicks in each batch. 20% brooder mortality in first two batches (vs none in home raised birds). Several slow growing chicks and just seem scruffier overall. Just curious on your experience.

 

[MountainWoman73]

Anybody notice a significant difference between chicks from shipped vs home raised eggs? Obviously hatch rates tend to be lower but what about deformity, slower growth rates, higher sickness and death rates? I’ve only shipped eggs thrice but my current batch is a little frustrating compared to a dozen home raised batches. 10% deformed chicks in each batch. 20% brooder mortality in first two batches (vs none in home raised birds). Several slow growing chicks and just seem scruffier overall. Just curious on your experience.

My shipped eggs had a low hatch rate, but the chicks I got were healthy and strong.