|
pre-order hatching eggs |
Purchase AgreemenT & hatching egg policy
Buyer accepts and agrees to all risks, disclosed or undisclosed, outlined in this policy associated with the purchase of hatching eggs. We assume no responsibility, liability, or obligations once the customer or shipping courier takes custody of the eggs as we cannot control the handling conditions.
NWP does not refund, exchange, credit, or offer discounts from purchases in partial or whole once the eggs have been shipped or taken by the customer. Refunds are only issued if eggs haven’t been shipped/picked-up (locally) by the customer.
If shipped, all claims made due to but not limited to shipping delays, damages, broken/cracked eggs, lost packages, stolen goods, or other factors not listed should be handled directly with the carrier.
No refunds will be issued for refusing or returned packages.
NWP does not refund, exchange, credit, or offer discounts from purchases in partial or whole once the eggs have been shipped or taken by the customer. Refunds are only issued if eggs haven’t been shipped/picked-up (locally) by the customer.
If shipped, all claims made due to but not limited to shipping delays, damages, broken/cracked eggs, lost packages, stolen goods, or other factors not listed should be handled directly with the carrier.
No refunds will be issued for refusing or returned packages.
- NorthWoods Poultry (NWP) is a private small scale hobby farm that is a sole proprietorship. Please be patient and mindful of the time and effort ii takes as one person manages all aspects of this breeding operation.
- NWP is NPIP certified by the Minnesota Board of Animal Health for Pullorum-Typhoid. The farm is inspected once (or twice) a year for continued compliance with the program. No visitors or buyers are allowed on site or in with the flock for bio-security purposes.
- Payment is not due until your order is ready. To protect NWP from scammers and customers from filing false claims with payment vendors, we only accept these payment options:
- PayPal (Friends & Family only)
- Venmo
- Cash App
In recent years, many flock owners report customers filing payment claims once they've received their hatching eggs or after incubation. Whether it be due to cracks or broken eggs, poor hatch rates, or someone who just wanted free eggs, the cases are usually settled on the side of the buyer. This means the seller is out both hatching eggs, shipping materials, time, and money. To protect NWP from such losses, this is why we have chosen the list of payment options above.
- Hatching eggs may be shipped or picked up locally.
- A maximum of 2 dozen eggs can be shipped per package. If you order more than 2, there will be more than one shipping charge. Each shipment is double boxed.
- Local hatching egg pick up days are Saturdays and Sundays only. Buyer must meet at the designated off-site location at Sportsmen's Park in Sleepy Eye, MN. This is for the safety of both parties. The public location is very active and off of a main highway.
- NWP offers both USPS or UPS for a courier. Payment must be made in full before the package is dropped off. We use Pirate Ship to find you the best possible rate to save money in shipping costs.
- If using USPS, please indicate if you would like the package held for pick up. A phone number will be needed for the Post Office to call when your package has arrived. Sunday evenings are when packages are assembled so eggs laid that same day can be included in your order. Once weighed, we can get you several exact shipping costs and you can pick whichever option works best for you. Ship days are (primarily) Mondays. This allows the entire business week to (hopefully) get your eggs to you on time. However, NWP cannot guarantee delivery date. Tracking numbers will always be provided.
- Please check your line of communication frequently so you don't miss your turn. If we cannot reach you, your order will be skipped and become available to the next person in line. We will make another attempt upon next availability. Your order will be forfeited after two (2) failed order attempts and you will need to re-order. This will place you at the end of the waitlist.
- If you have responded and are not able to receive the eggs, you may choose to skip your turn without it counting against your order.
- If using USPS, please indicate if you would like the package held for pick up. A phone number will be needed for the Post Office to call when your package has arrived. Sunday evenings are when packages are assembled so eggs laid that same day can be included in your order. Once weighed, we can get you several exact shipping costs and you can pick whichever option works best for you. Ship days are (primarily) Mondays. This allows the entire business week to (hopefully) get your eggs to you on time. However, NWP cannot guarantee delivery date. Tracking numbers will always be provided.
- NWP is not responsible for packages left outside in extreme weather conditions. Cold packs or a 72-hour hot pack are available to purchase if needed.
- Ideally, eggs should be stored between 55°F and 69°F for incubation. However, this is not something we can control during shipment. Eggs can begin to incubate already at 75°F or lose the ability once the temps drop below 35°F.
- One 72-hr. hot pack ($5) is recommended if travel temps are forecasted to be below 35°F.
- A couple of refrigerated cold packs (free) are recommended if over 80°F. We do not ship if over 85°F.
- Ideally, eggs should be stored between 55°F and 69°F for incubation. However, this is not something we can control during shipment. Eggs can begin to incubate already at 75°F or lose the ability once the temps drop below 35°F.
- Extra eggs are not guaranteed with an order. While we understand getting extras is appreciated, it cannot be expected. Weather, broodiness, and breed may influence the laying frequency and availability of extras.
- Hatching eggs are a gamble and NWP makes no guarantees as to hatch rate or outcome. Shipping can compromise the development of eggs as it can cause disruptions at the cellular level. Hatch rates can vary as drastically as 0% to 100%.
- "No development" does not mean the egg was not fertilized. Cracking open an undeveloped egg after incubation cannot show you if the egg was fertilized as the process alters the blastoderm. Fluctuating temperatures, humidity, shipping, handling, incubator or incubation methods can affect hatch rates. These are outside factors NWP cannot control. This can also be a reason for early deaths or "quitters" during incubation.
- Eggs are cracked and checked frequently for fertilization during the breeding season. NWP incubates for next year's generations from the same eggs sold to customers.
- In 2025, NWP began implementing an artificial insemination process for two breedlines which resulted in 100% success rate in producing fertilized eggs. NWP will begin utilizing this method across all breeds going forward to give customers the best possible chance of hatching success. Roosters are still housed with the hens for live covers.
- NWP does not breed birds with known or obvious genetic deformities. However, we cannot guarantee that issues don't arise in later generations. Active efforts are made to select against these anomalies.
- NWP makes no claims or guarantees as the resulting chicks of being any type or quality. Some breeds are in project phases and may present non-SOP traits. Feedback on resulting progeny is always welcome from customers to help make better breeding choices.
- Our birds are clearly marked with colored leg bands depending on breed or color variety. Flocks are not allowed to co-mingle or free range together during breeding season. Dates are written on each egg as well as letters to indicate the breed:
- Black/Blue Silver Marans - blue (BSM)
- Black Copper Marans - purple (BCM)
- Hedemora - red (HM)
- Nordehøne - pink/magenta (NH)
- Forest Eggers - green (FE)
- Svart Hona - white (SH)
- Silkies/Satins
- Lavender (LV)
- Penciled/Laced (PL)
- Buff/Partridge/Red (BPR)
- "Kaleidoscope" Project Pens (KP) - Test crosses to produce some unique colors!
NEW FOR 2026: Wait-lists will be kept this year. Please understand that we cannot accommodate firm ship dates.