Shipped Eggs VIability?

[combatfuzzball]

Thinking about getting eggs sometime in the near future. Can I get an idea of survivability of the eggs being shipped and then the hatch rate of them?

 

[dpsoffgrid]

You never know, so many variables. I have got expensive eggs and did everything everyone says and hatch rate sucked.

 

[gpop1]

rule of thumb is 50 to 60% is standard on shipped as long as the air cells are reasonable. If the air cells are detached then 40-50%.

No one can guarantee that the eggs are fertile and if they do then don't order them (long story where some not so cleaver person guaranteed fertility but didn't mention that he was sending egg out of his incubator which is how he knew they were fertile. Got 0% on that batch)

Most sellers will include some extras to cover the infertile eggs but that's not the written rule.

Another tip is don't buy them until sunday that way they can not be shipped until Monday. I could write another long story about a person who thought shipping on Friday evening was a good idea.

 

[combatfuzzball]

rule of thumb is 50 to 60% is standard on shipped as long as the air cells are reasonable. If the air cells are detached then 40-50%.

No one can guarantee that the eggs are fertile and if they do then don't order them (long story where some not so cleaver person guaranteed fertility but didn't mention that he was sending egg out of his incubator which is how he knew they were fertile. Got 0% on that batch)

Most sellers will include some extras to cover the infertile eggs but that's not the written rule.

Another tip is don't buy them until sunday that way they can not be shipped until Monday. I could write another long story about a person who thought shipping on Friday evening was a good idea.

Tanks that's a great aidea about not ordering until Sunday. Guess I will try once it get's warmer here in Maine. Not wanting to get a bunch of eggcicles.

 

[AllynTal]

Thinking about getting eggs sometime in the near future. Can I get an idea of survivability of the eggs being shipped and then the hatch rate of them?

As has already been mentioned, there are so many variables that are out of your control. A healthy flock is the first step in a good hatch rate, so if you're buying shipped eggs, you have no idea what the flock is like. The time of year is a major factor. If the sender or receiver (or anywhere in between) is having harsh or inclement weather, the eggs can be subjected to extreme temperatures for prolong periods, which plays havoc with the hatch rate. The folks working at the shipping company -- be it USPS, Fed Ex or UPS -- can be animals when it comes to handling packages especially ones marked "Fragile." Some of them seem to give extra attention to the "Fragile" ones and make sure those packages get a few extra kicks around the floor. Rough handling in shipping can break eggs at worst, but also detach the air sacs. Sometimes the air sacs reattach and sometimes they don't. Folks who know what they're doing will hold your order until the following Monday to ship, so if your order will be shipped immediately when you order on a Thursday, go somewhere else.

My first-ever hatch was 22 shipped eggs and 20 of them hatched, so you can get good hatch rates, but there are too many variables outside of your control. My suggestions is to NOT have the carton marked "Fragile" so it doesn't draw any extra attention.