No matter how meticulously we ensure the quality of eggs and packaging, even a single mishap during shipment can ruin the entire batch, leading to decreased viability and hatch rates. We have no control over the type or quality of each customer's incubator, their level of skill, or how the eggs are incubated. While we can provide fertile eggs, we cannot guarantee their successful hatching or take full responsibility for the outcome, as hatch rates can vary widely from 0% to 100%. We strongly advise against purchasing fertile eggs via post if you are unable to accept the associated risks.
Our fertility rate refers to how fertile our eggs are, tested by us in controlled incubations prior to offering them. Viability rate indicates how many fertile eggs actually become viable; even if they're 100% fertile, some may not develop due to shipping damage or incubation errors. Hatch rate measures how many chicks successfully hatch; while all embryos may develop during incubation, not all may hatch. We recommend understanding these variables and risks involved before purchasing fertile eggs, as we cannot control factors such as incubation conditions, which greatly affect hatch rates. Additionally, while we strive to provide high-quality fertile eggs, imperfections and variations in genetics are natural, and we cannot guarantee perfect outcomes.
In terms of fertility, we hatch our eggs on a weekly to fortnightly basis to maintain a fertility rate of above 85%-90% during the breeding season. However, outside of the breeding season (January onwards), we may still offer fertile eggs, albeit with lower viability and hatch rates. This is because heritage chickens undergo various changes during this time, including weather fluctuations and annual molting, which divert their energy towards staying warm and growing new feathers, potentially impacting the quality of the eggs.
The health, well-being, and happiness of our chickens are paramount to us. We ensure they are well cared for by providing high-quality feed, maintaining clean living environments, and allowing ample time for regular foraging. Our breeders are housed with roosters, and we avoid overcrowding in pens. However, it's important to recognize that fertility rates may vary occasionally, as eggs are natural products. Despite this variability, we strive to offer the best quality fertile eggs for optimal results.
The hatch rate is beyond our control and depends on factors such as the quality of the incubator, humidity, temperature, and handling during transit for posted eggs. We emphasize that our birds are of "Excellent backyard quality" and are not bred specifically for exhibition, prioritizing biosecurity and a different breeding approach. While we strive for improvement and adhere closely to poultry standards, imperfections are inevitable. Even with a champion bloodline, not all offspring will exhibit ideal traits, as poultry standards focus on appearance rather than genetic purity, and genetic throwbacks can occur. We remain transparent about any observed genetic faults or throwbacks in our breeding birds and hatches.
For shipping, we utilize Australia Post's express post service with a tracking number, processed through the Australia Business Portal. Upon dispatch, you'll receive your tracking number, and we also offer photos of the eggs before postage upon request. While most Monday and Tuesday shipments typically arrive between Wednesday and Friday depending on the area, rare cases of sorting errors causing delays are beyond our control. Although we strive to accurately declare parcel contents, any delays or additional charges due to border/customs inspection are subject to individual state laws.
Please be aware that egg fertility begins to gradually decline after 14 days post-collection. We prioritize posting the freshest eggs from Thursday to Monday collections, as older eggs can always be incubated for ourselves. Therefore, even if a parcel experiences extended transit times, the viability of our eggs is unaffected, primarily dependent on physical handling during shipment, particularly concerning potential damage to the air cell.
We urge you to understand the risks involved in purchasing fertile eggs. While we don't want to deter you from this, it's crucial to grasp the variables beyond our control. Although we make every effort to ensure safe delivery, we cannot guarantee against potential damage during shipping, which could significantly impact egg viability and hatch results. It's the customer's responsibility to research, follow up, and promptly pick up the parcel.
In case of broken eggs upon arrival, we offer store credit for the damaged egg value (excluding shipping costs), provided we're contacted within 6 hours of pickup with photographic evidence. Customers can also file a claim with Australia Post, as Express Post covers up to $100 for lost or damaged parcels, using our invoice and provided photos.
By ordering, purchasing, or making payment, you agree to our terms and acknowledge the associated risks. Once the parcel leaves our hands, we do not take responsibility, and no replacement or refund will be issued under any circumstances.
DAY OLD CHICKS:
We require a minimum purchase of 4 chicks to ensure their well-being. Day-old chicks thrive in small groups, where they can snuggle, play, and interact, forming bonds that offer support in case of unexpected events. A smaller group also facilitates easier transition to outdoor life, such as integration into an existing flock.
Our chicks are sold unsexed, unless specifically stated from an auto sexing pen.
*WE GUARANTEE OUR CHICKS FOR 48 HOURS AFTER PICKUP. Conditions apply. We cannot cover losses due to mishandling by the customer, such as injuries, improper brooder conditions, or incorrect feeding, as determined by us. Please notify us immediately if you observe anything unusual. If replacement chicks are available, we will provide them, or offer store credit.
We are unable to accept returns or exchanges for chicks, adult chickens, or roosters once they leave our possession due to BIOSECURITY reasons, ensuring the safety of our own birds.
Day-old chicks should be picked up within 3 days of the pickup notice. An additional charge will apply for extended brooder time. Please refrain from placing an order if you are unable to pick up your chicks within 3 days of the estimated hatch date, unless prearranged.
NO REFUNDS will be issued for orders once payment is received and the order is confirmed. We allocate chicks based on bookings, and day-old chicks have a very small timeframe for placement under broody hens. However, we will provide a full refund if we cannot fulfil your order due to unforeseen circumstances, such as incubator failure or power outage.
We will clearly state SEXED bird e.g. pullet, hen, cockerel, rooster. We will state UNSEXED if they are too young or not showing any signs of certain sex.
If we mention “Pet home only” in the description. Please respect our wishes and do not breed from offered birds.
Our birds will be monitored & health checked prior sale. Please inspect bird upon pick up & ask questions if you have any. We are unable to take any responsibility, take it back or provide a refund once our birds leaves our property due to bio security reasons & many other variables.
We strive to keep our website updated promptly regarding order availability and waiting periods. Each breed's fertile egg order is processed individually, which aids customers in ordering different breeds but can complicate managing backorders during busy periods or off-hours. As a small business, operated by just one individualwithout constant admin support, our estimations may occasionally be longer or shorter than stated, and orders may be subject to cancellation by either party if the waiting period exceeds expectations. Refunds for cancelled orders will be processed promptly, excluding credit card processing fees.
Our pricing is subject to change based on factors such as season, demand, and feed costs. We do not match previous prices or those of other breeders, setting our prices based on what we believe is fair for our birds and eggs.
Payment methods accepted include bank transfer, credit cards, Eftpos, or cash on pickup. A surcharge is applied to all credit card and Eftpos payments via the Square payment system, typically between 1.6% and 2.2%, and is non-refundable in case of order cancellation or partial refund. We reserve the right to refuse or cancel orders, with full refunds provided for cancelled orders.
Refunds will be issued if we are unable to fulfill an order, processed via direct bank transfer within 48 hours. We are unable to hold or allocate fertile eggs or chicks without payment, as they need to be incubated or placed with families promptly. We aim to prioritize finding good homes for our live animals and cannot rely on potential future buyers.
While we aim to satisfy our customers, it's important to understand that various factors can impact our service. We take our responsibility seriously and understand the potential impact of any dissatisfaction on our small family business.
LIABILITY:
Our liability for any losses incurred in relation to sales is strictly limited to the sale price. We are not responsible for any additional losses, including time, labor, income loss, feed or raising costs, incubation expenses, cleaning or sanitizing costs, vet bills, medications, or any indirect, special, or consequential losses. Please note that credit card payment processing fees are not included in this liability.
VARIATIONS TO THESE TERMS AND CONDITIONS:
We reserve the right to amend these terms and conditions at our discretion and without notice. Customers will be subject to the policies and terms and conditions in force at the time of placing an order.
NOTE: These terms and conditions were originally developed by Hanna from Pip & Grow and are used here with her permission. You can view her website and beautiful birds at pipandgrow.com.au
Copyright © 2024 Hooked on Chooks - All Rights Reserved.
Powered by GoDaddy