Buying Hatching Eggs  

Here is some of information in regards to eggs bought in auctions or online. I'm listing these things because everybody does NOT know, and anyone interested in buying/selling eggs this way SHOULD be more in the know. I hope this is helpful. 

Buying/Selling

As a buyer you are purchasing a perishable item therefore to ensure fresh eggs it is your responsibility to pay for the item as soon as is possible. If you wish to pay with any other method than paypal, contact the seller immediately so they know there will be a delay. If you do not do so then be prepared to receive eggs that have been sitting around waiting for your payment or cheque to clear.

What the BUYER can do to be a helpful business partner: ask any questions about the type of birds or auction/sale terms before bidding/buying; send payment right away. COMMUNICATE with the seller when the eggs are received, and most sellers are interested in the condition of the eggs on receipt. If you are unsatisfied, take photos to share with the seller and COMMUNICATE with the buyer about it. Try to resolve any potential problem before leaving auction feedback. Leave feedback when eggs are RECEIVED. You should NOT wait until the hatch to "rate" the seller.

If you should come across hatching egg auctions that seem to have a lot of conditions to the sale, this is most likely a very good and concerned seller who has been burned. If you are in doubt, look at a seller's feedback. Communicate with the seller and ask questions to ease your concerns. Visit a website, if one is listed, and get to "know" the seller through his or her writings. I could have been burnt by the buyers who after purchasing several different lots from me claimed all were infertile and would leave negative feedback unless I replaced them. On contacting other sellers it became clear they had bought a lot of eggs from different sellers in a short period of time and had contacted them all with this threatening message. Needless to say they are now unable to bid on ebay.

As a SELLER what you can (and should) do is to ensure the safest possible transport of eggs: Post the freshest eggs available, package eggs securely in new, never re-used cartons and/or posting material, using either 1^st class recorded or special delivery. Contact the buyer when the item has been dispatched. 

” Circumstances beyond my control" are words often used by an egg sellers in reference to after the eggs leave their care. This covers: rough handling by the Post Office or other courier when the package is en-route; changes in temperature, the eggs being in direct sunlight, very near a heater or air conditioner and out in the cold. As far as after the eggs are received by a buyer, the seller does not necessarily know or should not be held responsible for "circumstances beyond control" that could have an adverse effect on a buyer's hatch, such as: not "resting" the eggs properly before setting; not properly disinfecting the incubator (or other equipment) between hatches; incubation equipment failure; power outages; kids or pets disturbing the incubator; incubator having been placed in too warm or too cool an area; incubator being opened too often or for too long a period of time; improper humidity levels; improper turning, etc. It therefore be should be assumed that a seller has no responsibility for posted eggs after they leave their hands. 99% of sellers are honest people, who do their up most to ensure you receive your eggs quickly and in perfect condition.

Hatching

How far along are the eggs? When will they hatch?

Will they be OK in the airing cupboard?

Got the eggs OK, what now?

Some of you may be having a quiet snigger to yourselves others maybe saying “and? What are the answers” truth is these are genuine messages I have received after people have received eggs. Please note: to hatch eggs you must have an incubator or a broody hen, the airing cupboard just won’t do!

Fertility

Most sellers including myself test their eggs on a regular basis for fertility and may include the results in their listings, but can this can only be used as a guide, you are buying eggs NOT the guarantee or implied guarantee of any hatch rate. We are selling a product of Mother Nature and cannot be held personally responsible for fertility rates, shapes or sizes.

Here are a few helpful egg terms

FERTILE - An egg that could develop an embryo is fertile. This does NOT mean it is necessarily an egg that will hatch. Also, it is NOT a safe assumption that because it did not hatch/develop, that it was not fertile.

VIABLE - An egg that is capable of surviving (hatching). Not all fertile eggs are necessarily viable. Some eggs may develop, but the chick may not pip, or the chick may pip but die before hatching. This is usually an incubation problem, typical of incorrect humidity.

CLEAR EGG - A clear egg is NOT necessarily an infertile egg. A clear egg is one in which no embryonic development is seen. This could be due to improper egg storage, rough handling in posting, or incubator problems as far as regulation of heat, opening incubator too frequently or for too long a period of time, chilling an egg.

As for the freshness of eggs and hatchability; I have seen on sources on the internet state that you must incubate an egg within 7 days of being laid; THIS IS NOT CORRECT. It is BEST to do this, and the viability or hatchability of the egg may decrease after 7 days, especially if it is not stored under optimal conditions. The average hen will lay a lot more than 7 eggs before deciding to sit, some ornamental fowl do not lay eggs every day but will still successfully hatch 10 or more eggs.

Lastly: Do research as to a seller's claims if there is anything you question. People may copy pictures, wording, themes, or policies from other auction listings or other sellers websites and may have info that is not necessarily accurate.

Most of all. Enjoy this wonderful hobby, as buyers/sellers it is our responsibility to ensure it stays that way.

Hope this has been of some help

Regards

Julie

2muckyduckies