06/09/2026
Due to a recent Facebook post regarding a recent order, I would like to take a moment to reassure both existing and future customers about the processes here at Chick and Egg.
I take the handling, collection and packing of fertile eggs extremely seriously. Eggs are collected regularly, handled carefully and inspected before being packed. They are then wrapped and packaged specifically for postage to give them the best possible chance of arriving safely.
I also closely monitor the breeding flocks and fertility. I regularly track fertility and hatch results from eggs incubated here, as well as feedback received from customers. The overwhelming majority of feedback I receive is extremely positive, with many customers achieving excellent fertility and hatch rates.
However, it is important to remember that fertile eggs are not a manufactured product.
At the end of the day, chickens are animals, not machines. 🐔
No matter how carefully breeding flocks are managed, how fresh the eggs are, or how carefully they are packed, there are factors outside of anyone’s control. Fertility can vary between individual eggs, embryos can fail to develop for natural reasons, and eggs can be affected during transport or incubation.
Two customers can receive eggs from the same breeding group at the same time and achieve completely different results. One customer may have an excellent hatch, while another may experience disappointing results. This does not necessarily mean that anything was done incorrectly by either the breeder or the customer.
Postage is also an important part of sending fertile eggs safely. I make practically no profit from postage and packaging costs. Sending eggs correctly requires using appropriately sized parcels, overnight shipping where available, careful individual wrapping and a trusted courier company rather than simply choosing the cheapest possible option. Fertile eggs are extremely fragile, and the additional cost involved in packaging and appropriate shipping is about giving them the best possible chance of arriving safely and in good condition. Unfortunately, once a parcel enters the courier network, there are still factors outside of my control.
That said, I always want to hear from customers if something doesn’t seem right. If you experience an issue with an order, please contact me directly and provide as much information as possible. I am always happy to investigate concerns and work towards a fair outcome where appropriate.
Chick and Egg has supplied thousands of fertile eggs over the years, and I am incredibly grateful for the large number of customers who continue to support us and return season after season.
It is also worth mentioning that Chick and Egg is very much a one-man operation, despite my tendency to use the word “we” from time to time! 😂 Fertile egg sales are not something I do simply to maximise profit. They help fund what I am genuinely passionate about — breeding and showing poultry, developing and improving breeds and colour varieties, and helping to maintain rare breeds and colours for the future. By selling fertile eggs, I am able to share these birds with other enthusiasts while helping fund the ongoing costs of breeding, housing, feeding and showing them. At the end of the day, Chick and Egg exists to allow me to continue doing what I enjoy and hopefully leave the breeds and varieties I work with better than I found them.
I will always continue doing everything reasonably possible to provide healthy, fresh, carefully handled fertile eggs — but unfortunately, when working with living animals and sending an extremely fragile product through the postal system, perfect results can never be guaranteed.
Thank you to everyone who has supported Chick and Egg over the years. 🐣❤️
— James
