Live Chicks & Hatching Egg Policies
Please review the policies below before purchasing live chicks or fertile hatching eggs.
No Hatch Guarantee
Fertile hatching eggs are sold without a hatch-rate guarantee and are purchased with the understanding that hatch results cannot be guaranteed. Hatch success depends on many factors outside our control once eggs ship, including transit conditions, handling, storage after delivery, incubator setup, and incubation practices.
For this reason, we are unable to offer refunds, replacements, partial refunds, or store credits for unsuccessful hatches. Eggs are carefully packed and shipped fresh; however, any eggs damaged or delayed during shipping must be addressed through a shipping insurance claim filed directly with USPS.
Live Chick Loss, Damage, or DOA Policy
- Immediate Inspection: All live shipments must be opened and inspected immediately upon pickup.
- Reporting Window: Any losses (dead on arrival) must be reported within 2 hours of pickup, accompanied by photos of the unopened box and its contents.
- Resolution: Credit or reshipment eligibility is reviewed case-by-case based on documentation, weather, and carrier conditions.
- Delays: Gone Broody is not responsible for losses resulting from carrier delays, incorrect addresses, or missed pickup notifications. Expedited and Priority Mail is an estimate and not a guaranteed day of arrival. Contact your local USPS for tracking details.
Hatching Egg Shipments
- Origin: Hatching eggs are shipped directly from NPIP-certified hatcheries and breeders that specialize in clean, disease-tested flocks.
- Handling: Eggs are gathered daily, stored at the proper temperature and humidity, and shipped within 2–5 days of laying.
- Packaging: Each egg is packaged carefully for stabilization to prevent vibration or temperature shock.
- Hatchability: While we guarantee that most eggs are fresh and fertile at shipment, we cannot guarantee hatch success due to factors such as postal handling, incubation methods, or environmental conditions. By purchasing fertile hatching eggs, you acknowledge that hatch results are not guaranteed, all sales are final, and shipping damage claims must be filed directly with USPS.
Live Chick Shipments
- Origin: All chicks are shipped directly from NPIP-certified hatcheries within 24 hours of hatching.
- Age & Condition: Chicks are shipped as day-olds to ensure safe travel without the need for food or water, following USPS guidelines.
- Packaging: Hatcheries use USPS-approved ventilated boxes with absorbent liners, bedding, and heat packs (seasonally) to maintain optimal airflow and temperature.
- Timing: Shipments typically occur Monday through Wednesday to prevent weekend delays.
- Delivery: Orders are sent via USPS Priority Mail Express Live Animal Service. A valid customer phone number must be provided for carrier pickup notification.
- Pickup: Live chicks are usually held at the destination post office for pickup. Customers must collect their order promptly upon notification to ensure chick safety.
Weather & Seasonal Conditions
We closely monitor weather conditions across all partner hatchery locations and destination states. Orders may be held or rescheduled during periods of extreme heat, cold, or severe storms to ensure animal welfare.
Customer Care Responsibilities
Once chicks are received, customers are responsible for:
- Preparing a pre-warmed brooder (95°F, reduced 5°F weekly)
- Providing immediate access to clean water and chick starter feed
- Ensuring safe housing free of drafts, predators, and temperature extremes
- Monitoring hydration and comfort closely during the first 48 hours
How Live Poultry & Hatching Egg Orders Are Fulfilled
Gone Broody operates as an authorized online dealer for NPIP-certified hatcheries located throughout the United States.
All live chicks and fertile hatching eggs sold through our online store are shipped directly from our partner hatcheries in accordance with USDA, APHIS, and United States Postal Service (USPS) regulations for the transport of live animals and perishable agricultural goods.
Gone Broody does not physically house or ship live poultry from its own location. We facilitate online orders between customers and licensed hatcheries that meet all required state and federal standards for live animal transport.
We currently ship within the continental United States to locations where the sale and delivery of live poultry and hatching eggs are legally permitted. Customers are responsible for verifying any local ordinances or import restrictions before purchasing.
Legal & Regulatory Compliance Policy
Gone Broody fully complies with all federal, state, and local laws governing the sale and shipment of live poultry and hatching eggs, including but not limited to:
- USDA/APHIS Animal Welfare Act (9 CFR Parts 1–3)
- USPS Publication 52, Section 526 — Mailable Live Animals
- State Department of Agriculture import, permit, and health certificate requirements
- National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP) disease-testing and certification standards
NPIP Certification
All hatcheries that ship on behalf of Gone Broody are NPIP-certified and maintain clean test status for Pullorum-Typhoid and other regulated diseases. Certificates are available upon request.
Online Dealer Role
Gone Broody functions strictly as an online dealer and marketing representative for multiple USDA- and NPIP-certified hatcheries.
We do not ship or handle live animals ourselves, and we do not operate as a carrier or logistics provider. All fulfillment, packaging, and shipping are completed by the certified hatchery directly to the customer’s location.
Customer Legal Responsibilities
By purchasing from Gone Broody, the customer acknowledges and agrees to:
- Verify that live poultry and hatching eggs are permitted in their jurisdiction
- Accept full responsibility for the care, housing, and welfare of animals upon arrival
- Follow all applicable local and federal laws related to poultry ownership, importation, and animal welfare
Animal Welfare Commitment
Gone Broody and our partner hatcheries maintain the highest animal welfare standards by:
- Following strict biosecurity and sanitation procedures
- Shipping only healthy, vigorous day-old chicks
- Avoiding shipment during unsafe weather conditions
- Providing detailed care instructions for every order
Compliance Transparency
Gone Broody retains records of all orders, hatchery certifications, and shipping documentation for inspection by relevant authorities or platform partners.