Frequently Asked Questions
Let us make things clear
We strive to provide high-quality eggs with a high fertility rate by regularly hatching our own eggs to ensure healthy chicks and good hatch rates. When shipping our eggs, we take great care to package them securely to prevent damage during shipment.
However, it’s important to note that eggs are a natural product and can be influenced by various factors. Eggs are provided at your own risk, and we do not guarantee nor offer refunds for unhatched eggs. We encourage you to review our TERMS & CONDITIONS before making a purchase.
As much as we wish to provide a straightforward answer with time line, our ability to do so is constrained by the natural processes of our chickens. We are unable to manipulate their laying patterns or fertility.
When fertile eggs are labeled as ‘Out of Stock,’ it usually indicates one of the following situations:
1. We have existing back orders to fulfill, resulting in a waiting period of longer than four weeks.
2. There is an excess of broody hens.
3. The fertility rate does not meet our standard of 85% or higher.
3. It’s during the ‘Moulting season,‘ typically occurring from March to August in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia, when our hens cease laying.
Usually, we have fertile eggs available from September to February each year. However, their availability is contingent upon various factors, making it difficult for us to predict exact restocking times.
Please refer to our “HATCHING TIPS” section for comprehensive information on hatching. We’ve compiled detailed guidance to help you achieve successful hatching results. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to reach out to us.
We recommend starting incubation as soon as possible. However, if you are unable to incubate the eggs immediately, please follow these guidelines:
Store fertile eggs in a cool place with a consistent temperature between 10-15°C. Avoid extreme temperatures, as fluctuations can negatively affect embryo development.
Store the eggs with the pointed end facing downwards. This helps to keep the air cell in the correct position, rotate the eggs gently once or twice a day to prevent the embryo from adhering to the shell membrane and to ensure even development.
The development of eggs begins from the moment they are placed in the incubator or under a broody hen. The date the eggs were laid has no direct correlation with the hatching date. If all eggs are incubated or placed under the broody hen at the same time, they are expected to hatch around the same time as well. Therefore, it’s the incubation period that determines the hatching date, not the laying date of the eggs.
Choosing the right egg incubator can indeed be challenging, as it depends on various factors such as budget, experience level, and personal preferences. Generally, higher-priced incubators from reputable brands like Brinsea, Rcom, Greatlander, and Multipquip tend to offer better quality and reliability. These brands have established a reputation for producing incubators that deliver consistent results and provide features designed to support successful hatching.
For beginners or those looking to start small, it’s advisable not to overspend initially. Starting with a smaller, more affordable model allows you to gain experience and determine if hatching eggs is a hobby you want to pursue further.
When purchasing an incubator, it’s important to prioritize safety and quality over price. Avoid buying from unknown or unreliable sources, such as eBay unbranded. Electrical items like egg incubators involve heating elements and water, so it’s crucial to choose a product from a reputable poultry supply company to ensure user safety.
Ultimately, the best egg incubator for you will depend on your specific needs, preferences, and budget. Researching different brands and models, reading reviews from other users, and considering factors like capacity, features, and ease of use can help you make an informed decision.
We collect eggs daily from the pens.
For interstate shipments, egg collection takes place from Thursday to Monday morning. This timing ensures that eggs are suitable for incubation after a few days in transit. Older eggs are incubated for our day-old chick sales.
Please set up notifications for each breed using the ‘Notify Me’ function. This way, when we have completed our testing and are ready to offer eggs, an email notification will be sent out. This grants our customers the freedom to explore other options in the market or choose to order from us, based on their preferences.
We use Australia Post’s business portal to send out our eggs, ensuring they are all express posted with tracking for your convenience. Your address will be printed exactly as entered, and Australia Post will provide tracking details and updates via email.
Please be aware that Australia Post sometimes skips the scanning process, so it may appear that the parcel is not moving after the initial scan. However, once it reaches the local airport or depot, all tracking details will be updated at once, often resulting in an earlier estimated arrival date than initially stated. Our local post office dispatches at 4 PM Adelaide time, and we typically post our eggs before 3 PM.
More details found “HOW WE POST“
Unfortunately, we cannot offer a precise arrival estimate for your parcel, as it depends on the destination zone (Zone 1 – 3) and the workload at your local Australia Post depot. Typically, most orders across Australia are express posted on Mondays, arriving for customers by Wednesday to Thursday. Orders dispatched on Tuesdays generally arrive by Fridays. However, it’s important to note that unexpected delays can occur.
More details found “HOW WE POST“
Absolutely, yes!
The fertility of the eggs begins to decline after approximately *14 days from collection, according to studies. To ensure you receive the freshest eggs possible, we typically post them between Thursday and Tuesday, as we reserve older eggs for our own incubation purposes.
Even if your parcel experiences an extended transit time, rest assured that the viability of our eggs is not significantly affected. Instead, the most critical factor affecting viability is physical damage, such as damage to the air cell, which can occur during shipment. We take utmost care in packaging our eggs to minimize any potential damage during transit.
*More info found
https://www.poultryhub.org/anatomy-and-physiology/incubation
We do not recommend “Resting”.
Air cell damage occurs when there is a tear between inner and outer membranes of the egg under the shell, often caused by vibrations, drops, and other factors during transport. This type of damage cannot be repaired by allowing the eggs to rest. Instead, leaving them to rest may further age the eggs and reduce their viability. Therefore, it is advisable to incubate the eggs as soon as possible to maximize their chance of hatching successfully.
Related Post : “Resting” fertile eggs
Rest assured, we fully cover any physical damage, such as cracked or broken eggs, that may occur during transit.
Please refer to our “Damaged eggs upon arrival guarantee” for instructions on how to proceed. We kindly ask that you contact us as soon as possible with photos of the damaged eggs, including a close-up showing our stamp, “Pip & Grow.” This will help us expedite the process of providing you with a suitable resolution.
Just like plant seeds, fertile eggs contain the potential for life, but they require the right conditions to develop. In the case of fertile eggs, they need to be incubated under the appropriate temperature and humidity conditions for the embryos to grow and hatch successfully. Without the proper environment, they won’t develop, much like seeds won’t sprout without soil, water, and sunlight.
Availability can be viewed directly on our website’s “Shop” page. If we have any birds available for sale, they will be listed on the website with detailed information.
If nothing is listed, it means we currently do not have any birds available for sale.
Our guaranteed female sexed chicks originate from eggs genetically bred for AUTO SEX, determined by their color and markings upon hatching. Examples include Welsummer, Legbar, and sex-linked color breeding.
Unsexed chicks come from most other heritage breeds that cannot be sexed upon hatching. We do not have breeds that can be sexed using common myths such as wing feather sexing.
*https://www.cacklehatchery.com/what-is-feather-sexing-separating-fact-from-myth/
More info found Heritage chick sexing facts
We acknowledge the existence of sexed heritage breeds, which are sexed by highly skilled, qualified vent or probe sexers with approximately 80% accuracy.
As we lack the expertise to sex chicks professionally, a skill that requires years of training and is scarce in Australia, our unsexed chicks are offered “AS IS,” relying solely on natural selection by the mother nature and customer selection upon pick up.
Our birds undergo vaccination for:
Day-old chicks:
- Marek’s disease
- Coccidiosis
From 3 weeks to 12 weeks:
- Infectious Laryngotracheitis (A20 & SA 2 strains)
- Mycoplasma (MS/MG 2 strains)
- Coryza x 2 dozes
Our birds are vaccinated on-site directly by us to ensure every single bird is correctly vaccinated and cared for. Our vaccination schedule and types of vaccines are planned out based on consultations with reputable doctors and veterinarians from poultry vaccine companies including Bioproperties, Tréidlia Biovet, and Zoetis Australia.
Dayold and young chicks
– We have boxes ready for them, so there’s no need to bring anything for transport. However, please ensure that the brooder is set up and running before pick-up.
Pullets, Hens and Roosters
– Please bring a box or carrier to transport them safely home.
Once our birds leave our farm, we cannot accept their return due to biosecurity concerns. This policy is in place to protect our own birds from potential poultry diseases.
We suggest considering the following options:
Please read this post -Do you have plans for your roosters?
Other options are;
- Local fodder shops often accept pure breed roosters for resale.
- Advertising on Gumtree.
- Joining local Facebook poultry groups
Rooster & Male poultry SA rehoming
All purpose poultry SA
If you’re considering introducing day-old chicks or young chickens to broody hens or raising them together from a young age, mixing different breeds is typically not a problem. Broody hens don’t discriminate based on appearance, breed, or color; they will care for all their chicks equally.
Raising chicks in a brooder from a young age also fosters a sibling-like bond among them, regardless of breed.
However, introducing older birds—usually over 12 weeks old—that are of different sizes can pose challenges, especially if the new birds are smaller breeds like silkies, polish, or Belgian d’Uccles compared to the existing flock. This requires careful preparation and consultation beforehand.
Read more – Introducing new chicken to existing flock
Dayold – Chicks under heat
– We do not ship or transport young chicks for their well being.
Off heat and older
– interstate transport can be arranged upon mutual agreement., please refer to Terms and Conditions for further details.
Here are a few transport companies comes to SA.
– Happy Tails Pet Transport (Click to view) travels from SA to VIC frequently.
– The Critter Coach (Click to view) services throughout Victoria and New South Wales, Adelaide and Queensland (Rockhampton).
There may be additional companies available. Please feel free to research and select the transport service you are most comfortable with. We do not have any affiliation with the companies mentioned above.
- Brooder Box or Container: A secure and draft-free enclosure where chicks can safely grow.
- Heat Source: A reliable heat lamp or brooder heater to maintain a constant temperature in the brooder.
- Bedding Material: Such as pine shavings, puppy training pad, or straw to provide a soft and absorbent surface for the chicks
- Feeder: A shallow, chick-sized feeder to provide access to chick starter feed.
- Waterer: A chick-specific waterer that ensures easy access to clean water without the risk of drowning.
- Chick Starter Feed: A nutritionally balanced feed formulated specifically for young chicks to support healthy growth and development.
These items are essential for creating a safe and comfortable environment for raising chicks during their early stages of life.
Please find more info DAYOLD CARE TIPS & Chicken Newbie Tips
Commercial layer breeds such as ISA Brown, Hyline, and Hybrid Australorp are selectively bred to maximize egg production within a short timeframe. They typically begin laying eggs as early as 14 weeks old and continue until about 18 months, after which egg production and quality gradually decline. These birds often face health issues related to their reproductive organs and may have shorter lifespans. As a result, many of them are sold cheaply under the name of “rescued hens” from egg farms around 18 months of age. However, they are highly efficient egg producers and suitable for those primarily interested in egg production.
On the other hand, heritage breeds are known for their beauty and natural behavior. While they may not lay eggs as frequently as commercial breeds, they exhibit more typical chicken behaviors, including broodiness. They generally start laying eggs around 6 months of age and continue to lay for a longer period, averaging around 5-6 years. Heritage breeds also tend to have longer lifespans, making them ideal for those seeking attractive, long-term backyard companions along with egg production.
More info found Heritage Vs Commercial breed
Yes, and No – Everyone is different.
Indeed, there are additional responsibilities beyond just providing food and water when it comes to keeping chickens. Here are some other important aspects to consider:
Cleaning:
- Regular cleaning of the coop, run, and nest box is necessary to maintain a healthy environment for the chickens and prevent the buildup of waste and bacteria.
Security:
- Ensuring the coop is securely locked at night is crucial to protect the chickens from predators such as feral cats, rats, and foxes that may pose a threat, even in suburban areas.
Health:
- Regular deworming of the chickens every 3 months using poultry-specific wormers is important to prevent infestations and maintain their health.
- Checking for signs of mites and lice regularly and implementing preventive measures or treatment if necessary can help prevent infestations and discomfort for the chickens.
- Monitoring the chickens’ behavior for any signs of illness or distress and taking appropriate action, including isolating and providing supportive care, and seeking professional veterinary assistance if needed.
While these responsibilities may seem daunting at first, they become manageable with experience, and the joy and connection of keeping backyard chickens often outweigh the challenges. Chickens are indeed fascinating and entertaining creatures that can bring a lot of joy and fulfillment to their keepers.
Keep calm,
and have few chickens in your backyard.
Our breeding birds are housed on a separate property where strict biosecurity protocols are enforced to safeguard them against various poultry diseases.
For a closer look at our breeding operations and to see our birds in action, we invite you to visit our Facebook page. There, we regularly share videos and photos showcasing our birds and the care they receive. It’s a great way to stay connected with us and learn more about our breeding practices.
To place an order, kindly visit our website’s “SHOP” section and proceed with your order there.
We exclusively handle orders through our website platform. Upon receiving your order, we’ll promptly send you an email to confirm the details. Please allow us up to 48 hours to follow up on your order.
Please understand that we are both occupied with other commitments, including farm chores and additional employment. Our contact number is primarily for receiving SMS messages and reserved for urgent matters only. Thank you for your understanding.
Our pick-up location is in Littlehampton, South Australia 5250, conveniently situated near Mount Barker and Hahndorf, just a 25-minute drive from Adelaide.
Pick-up appointments can be arranged at your convenience, from early morning to late evening.
For fertile eggs, we utilize a contactless pick-up system Once your order is confirmed, we will provide you with the pick-up address and detailed instructions.
Payment options include credit card through our website and Eftpos payment on-site.
Please note that a 2.2% non-refundable credit card processing fee will be charged via the Square payment system.
Orders are confirmed and allocated upon receipt of payment, not at the time of placing the order.
We are unable to hold any orders unless they are paid for in full.
For more details, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
For cancellation requests, please contact us via email as soon as possible. You can simply reply to the order confirmation email.
For day-old chicks:
- Orders can be canceled, but please note that NO REFUND will be provided once the order is confirmed.
For fertile eggs:
- We will issue a store credit for cancellation requests made with at least 3 days’ notice prior to the shipping or pick-up date.
- Please note that NO REFUND will be provided for cancellation requests made less than 3 days before the shipping or pick-up date.
For further information, please refer to our Terms & Conditions.
If we are unable to fulfill your order due to unforeseen circumstances, we will gladly provide a full refund.
To process the refund, we will need the following refund account details:
- Account Name
- BSB number
- Account Number
Please allow up to 48 hours for us to process the refund. Once completed, we will follow up with a remittance via email to confirm the refund transaction.
Ensuring your privacy and security is of utmost importance to us. We utilise Square Payments, a robust and well-encrypted system, specifically designed to safeguard our customers’ details and ensure that merchants are held accountable for maintaining a high level of security.
Still Have Questions?
Get in touch with us; we’re just a message away
You can reach us by filling out the inquiry form or by sending us a message via our social media platforms.