Buying hatching eggs through the post has opened up all sorts of wonderful breeds and bloodlines to smallholders who wouldn’t otherwise have access to them. But it’s also one of the most misunderstood parts of hatching — and one where expectations often don’t match reality.
If you’re planning to hatch posted eggs, the most important thing you can do is go in with open eyes. You can do everything right and still end up with losses. That doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
Why Posted Eggs Are More Risky
An egg is a living thing, even before incubation starts. Inside the shell are delicate structures that can be damaged long before you ever switch an incubator on.
During postage, eggs may be:
- Exposed to temperature swings
- Knocked or vibrated despite careful packing
- Stored at angles that disrupt the air cell
Even with the best breeder and courier, these factors are outside anyone’s control. That’s why realistic hatch rates for posted eggs are usually around 50%, sometimes less. Higher results do happen, but they should be seen as a bonus, not an expectation.
This is one reason it’s helpful to read What Hatch Rates Are Actually Realistic When Hatching Eggs at Home? before ordering eggs, especially if children are involved.
Letting Posted Eggs Rest
When your eggs arrive, resist the urge to rush. They need time to settle.
Unpack them carefully and place them fat end up in an egg box for at least 12 hours — 24 if you can manage it — in a cool, stable room. This resting period allows the air cell to re-stabilise after transit.
If any eggs arrive cracked or leaking, it’s kindest to discard them. Trying to hatch damaged eggs increases the risk of infection inside the incubator and can affect the rest of the hatch.
Before incubation, mark each egg with a non-toxic marker so you can keep track of turning and identify them later during candling. Never use pencil — graphite can pass through the shell.
Incubator Setup Matters Even More
Because posted eggs already start at a disadvantage, your incubator setup needs to be as steady as possible.
Set the incubator up at least 24 hours before adding eggs and make sure it’s holding consistently at 37.5°C. Keep it away from windows, radiators, and draughts — small temperature swings that might not matter much for home-collected eggs can make a real difference here.
I always use a digital thermometer and hygrometer with a probe (available on Amazon) placed at egg level, rather than relying on the incubator’s built-in display. Many displays are inaccurate, and posted eggs don’t have much margin for error.
If you’re unsure about humidity levels, Incubator Temperature and Humidity Explained (Without the Science Overload) goes through targets and common mistakes in plain English.
Candling Without Panicking
Candling posted eggs can be emotionally tricky. It’s common to see:
- Clear eggs (infertile or very early losses)
- Detached or enlarged air cells
- Embryos that stop developing
I usually candle between days eight and eleven using a proper egg candler (available on Amazon). If you’re unsure about an egg, mark it and check again a few days later rather than removing it too early.
Any eggs that are clearly non-viable should be removed promptly. As unpleasant as it is, this helps protect the remaining eggs from bacterial contamination. After removing eggs, a gentle wipe around the incubator with a non-toxic incubator cleaner (available on Amazon) helps keep conditions hygienic.
Lockdown and Hatch Day Expectations
Once you reach lockdown (day 18 for chickens), treat the incubator like a closed system. Stop turning, increase humidity, add a non-slip liner (available on Amazon) to the base, and don’t open the lid once pipping begins.
Posted eggs often hatch less evenly. You might get one early chick, a long gap, and then another much later — or none at all. This staggered timing is normal and not a sign you’ve done anything wrong.
As tempting as it is, avoid “helping” chicks out of the shell unless you’re experienced and certain intervention is needed. Many chicks that struggle initially simply need more time.
Is It Worth Hatching Posted Eggs?
That depends on your expectations.
If you’re looking for guaranteed chicks, posted eggs are likely to be frustrating. If you’re happy to accept lower hatch rates in exchange for access to specific breeds or lines, they can be very rewarding.
For first-time hatchers, it’s often easier emotionally to start with local eggs or a broody hen. Broody Hen or Incubator: Which Is Right for Your First Hatch? can help you decide which route feels right for you.
Whatever you choose, remember this: posted egg hatching is always a gamble. Approach it with patience, kindness, and realistic hopes — and any chicks that do hatch will feel all the more special.
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