Fertilized chicken eggs are a must if you want to hatch your own chicks. But where can you get high-quality fertile eggs for incubation? I’ll overview the main options and provide tips for sourcing fertile eggs.
Why Get Fertile Eggs?
Fertile eggs allow you to grow your own flock from scratch Hatching chicks is an incredibly rewarding experience Plus, raising chicks from the egg means you control their environment and inputs from day one. This allows you to raise healthy, productive chickens optimally suited to your climate and setup.
However, remember that not all fertile eggs hatch. On average, 75% of properly incubated fertile eggs should hatch, but rates can vary Don’t expect every egg to produce a chick
Where to Source Fertile Chicken Eggs
You have several options when looking to get fertilized chicken eggs
1. Local Farms
Look for small or hobby farms in your area that raise chickens. Call around to find ones selling fertile hatching eggs. Usually, these come from mixed farm flocks, so you won’t know the exact breed. But they should be productive, hardy birds well-suited to your climate. Expect to pay $2-5 per egg.
Pros:
- Locally adapted birds
- Support local farmers
- Eggs haven’t traveled far
Cons:
- Unknown egg quality
- No choice of breed
- Limited quantity available
2. Online Hatcheries
Large hatcheries sell fertilized eggs nationwide via mail order. This allows you to select specific breeds from a huge variety. Expect to pay $2-5 per egg.
Pros:
- Huge variety of breeds
- Buy small quantities
- Reputable sources
Cons:
- Added shipping cost
- Eggs in transit longer
- Must be home to accept delivery
Popular online hatcheries include:
3. Local Feed Stores
Many farm supply stores sell fertilized eggs during spring. These usually come from large commercial hatcheries. Expect to pay $2-4 per egg.
Pros:
- Buy small quantities
- Support local businesses
- Avoid shipping
Cons:
- Limited breed selection
- Large scale commercial source
- Need to pick up eggs promptly
4. Private Sellers
You can sometimes find people selling fertile eggs via classified ads or local poultry groups. Expect to pay $2-5 per egg.
Pros:
- Unique and rare breeds
- Buy small quantities
- Support small-scale keepers
Cons:
- Biosecurity risks
- Unknown egg quality
- Need to arrange pickup
5. From Your Own Flock
If you already have chickens, adding a rooster allows you to breed your own fertile eggs.
Pros:
- Free eggs
- Know the source flock
- Fun breeding project
Cons:
- Need space for a rooster
- No new breeds available
- Time for flock to mature before breeding
What to Look for When Buying Fertile Eggs
To maximize your hatch rate, look for:
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Reputable source: Buy from known, trusted sellers with healthy flocks. Avoid backyard hobbyists.
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Fresh eggs: The fresher the better. Look for eggs laid within the past week.
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Clean eggs: Dirty, cracked, or soaked eggs are more prone to bacteria and less likely to be viable.
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Breed info: Confirm the breed or strain if important to you.
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Delivery method: Ensure the eggs will ship securely and quickly. Pick up locally if possible.
Storing and Incubating Fertile Eggs
Once you secure fertile eggs, proper storage and incubation is key.
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Store cool: Keep eggs between 55-70°F before incubating. Don’t refrigerate.
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Incubate ASAP: Try to incubate eggs within 4-7 days of laying.
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Incubate properly: Follow incubator guidelines for temperature, humidity, and ventilation.
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Don’t disturb: Limit opening the incubator and moving eggs.
Hatch Your Flock with Fertile Eggs
Build your aviary quickly and efficiently. Place these fertile hatching eggs in an incubator and watch them hatch into baby chicks. Then, move them into a brooder to keep them warm during their first six weeks of life. Enjoy watching the growth cycle from fertile egg to fully grown chicken that lays you fresh eggs each day.
Explore 70 Varieties of Hatching Eggs
Stromberg’s sells 70 varieties of fertile chicken-hatching eggs for incubation. Our vast selection allows you to choose from various poultry eggs, including chicken eggs, quail eggs, duck eggs, turkey eggs, guinea eggs, and many other varieties.
Unboxing Fertilized Chicken Eggs from My Pet Chicken
FAQ
Do stores sell fertilized chicken eggs?
The answer to both of these questions is no. The eggs that you get in a grocery are not fertile eggs. To produce a fertile egg, a rooster (male chicken) must be present and in grocery store production facilities this is simply not the case.
How do you get fertilized chicken eggs?
Fertile eggs can be collected from hens who are housed with a rooster. Eggs sold in grocery stores are not fertile; therefore, they will not grow into baby chicks if placed in an incubator. Fertilized eggs usually need to be ordered from a hatchery or from poultry farmers with roosters in their flocks.
Do farmers sell fertilized eggs?
Store Eggs Are NEVER Fertilized
This is probably the most common misconception about chicken eggs. Commercial layers are never allowed to mate with roosters—most commercial farms don’t even have any roosters on the premises—so it’s impossible for the eggs they produce to be fertilized.
Can you buy fertilised chicken eggs?
If you don’t have a cockerel or would like to breed a variety of chicken that you don’t already keep, then buying a fertilised egg is your only option. There are a large number of chicken breeders and a wide variety of chicken breeds to choose from.