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frequently asked questions |
Are you NPIP certified?
Yes, and I am also an Authorized Poultry Testing Agent (APTA) through the Minnesota Board of Animal Health. This means I have the capability to certify my own birds. For bio-security reasons, I only test my flock.
- NPIP #: 41-1478
- MN Board of Animal Health Poultry Testing Agent #: 967840, exp. 12/31/2026
Can I visit the farm?
Visitations are not permitted due to bio-security reasons. This is to keep my farm bio-secure from any outside diseases that may be tracked in on people and/or vehicles. I try to take and post pictures frequently on social media as well as on the website so you may see what the parent flock looks like. If you have any questions or specific requests of photos, please feel free to message me at any time.
Do you ship chicks or just hatching eggs?
I do not ship chicks or older birds, only hatching eggs. Sadly, I've seen too many chicks and ducklings die due to being delayed in transit, getting too cold or hot, stolen, or whatever circumstance and I, personally, do not want to contribute to this. I'm a strong advocate for animal welfare and health so I'd just rather not be involved. It's also not something I have time or flexibility in my work schedule to accommodate for either.
Do you offer pick-up of chicks or hatching eggs?
Yes, local pick-up is available for either! Chicks should be pre-ordered and paid for immediately. You can pay for your hatching eggs the day we plan to meet with any of the above options. I'll let you know when eggs are being set for you for your chicks and when you can plan to pick them up.
- For bio-security and personal safety, we ask that you meet us at the pre-determined public park location mentioned during regular daylight hours. This is to help prevent cross contamination between your flock and mine as well as keep all parties safe.
How do I pay?
I only accept PayPal (Friends & Family only*), Venmo, Cash App, or cash (local only).
- * I understand some may feel uneasy about sending money through F&F. However, I will not process orders sent through Goods & Services. You will be refunded and asked to re-send through F&F. Unfortunately, there have been *multiple* cases where an upset buyer, even after being informed of and accepting the potential risks in the policy, files a complaint whether it be due to poor hatch rates, delayed packages, damaged eggs, etc. with PayPal and they usually end up getting refunded. The seller is at over 100% loss of hatching eggs, shipping material, and time. As the sole financial provider of my farm, please understand that I'm just doing what I believe to be in my safety and best interest. I only do this as a hobby and do not want to make this something I begin to dislike.
Do you offer sexing of chicks?
No, I only offer chicks as STRAIGHT RUN (unsexed). You're likelihood of getting pullets or cockerels is 50/50%.
Do you take back roosters or do trade-ins?
No, I do not take back roosters or accept trade-ins for a different bird. When a bird leaves the farm, it cannot return unless it has been tested and found negative for all of the health certifications we currently hold or the other farm has equal or higher certifications.
What time of the year can you ship hatching eggs?
Approximately March-June, weather permitting. We could start as early as February or as late as April. It all depends on the hens' laying schedule and as long as the temperatures remain above freezing in my area.
How can be sure the eggs are fertilized?
Fertility is checked continuously throughout the season by cracking eggs open as well as incubating to add to our own flock. A couple different roosters are among the hens at any given time. If I find that fertility drops, I will notify those who have pending orders. Refunds would be honored if a buyer requests.
And as of 2026, we will begin implementing artificial insemination of all of the hens. This is a fairly easy, uncomplicated process that has yielded excellent results in trials ran during 2025 of 100% fertilization. More information can be found on this under the "extras" section of the page menu.
And as of 2026, we will begin implementing artificial insemination of all of the hens. This is a fairly easy, uncomplicated process that has yielded excellent results in trials ran during 2025 of 100% fertilization. More information can be found on this under the "extras" section of the page menu.
How do you package hatching eggs?
Eggs are double boxed with each egg first being individually wrapped in bubble wrap and taped. Wood shavings are placed in the bottom of the inner box and eggs are positioned evenly, big side up, in the box with empty space being filled with more wood shavings as well as a generous layer on top and taped.
The larger outside box also has wood shavings placed on the bottom. The inner box is positioned in the middle and a generous amount of wood shavings are placed into the empty space to fill in as securely as possible. Wood shavings are, again, layered across the to and the box is securely taped.
In my experience, this has been a highly successful, affordable, and time-saving method to shipping eggs. It seems to allow for just enough shock absorption the eggs may experience due to shipping, minimizing risks of detached air cells as well as cracks or breaks.
If you think about it, it's like if you've ever been on a trampoline. Relatively speaking, does it hurt your feet if you bounce up and down? Or what about if you jump from one trampoline to another? Or would it hurt your feet more if you landed directly on the ground? What about if you jumped up and down on the ground? Compared to the trampoline, which is easier on your feet and legs? Point being - the stiffer the material, the less cushion, less shock absorption = the more likely the egg will experience internal or external damage.
The larger outside box also has wood shavings placed on the bottom. The inner box is positioned in the middle and a generous amount of wood shavings are placed into the empty space to fill in as securely as possible. Wood shavings are, again, layered across the to and the box is securely taped.
In my experience, this has been a highly successful, affordable, and time-saving method to shipping eggs. It seems to allow for just enough shock absorption the eggs may experience due to shipping, minimizing risks of detached air cells as well as cracks or breaks.
If you think about it, it's like if you've ever been on a trampoline. Relatively speaking, does it hurt your feet if you bounce up and down? Or what about if you jump from one trampoline to another? Or would it hurt your feet more if you landed directly on the ground? What about if you jumped up and down on the ground? Compared to the trampoline, which is easier on your feet and legs? Point being - the stiffer the material, the less cushion, less shock absorption = the more likely the egg will experience internal or external damage.
My package was delivered damaged - what do I do?
IF YOU PICK UP THE PACKAGE FROM THE POST OFFICE/COURIER LOCATION or IF YOUR BOX WAS DELIVERED DAMAGED, BEFORE YOU OPEN THE BOX, TAKE A PICTURE IMMEDIATELY. I will take pictures of packages prior to being sent to document their condition prior to shipping. You can file a claim with the courier immediately if your package was visibly substantially damaged on the outside.
What happens if eggs break?
It is possible and not 100% preventable. Eggs are fragile and not meant to be handled often let alone shipped. I do my best to provide provide adequate packaging and insulation to reduce the risk of breaks.