Instructions
Research which breed of bird to use for hatching eggs. University of Minnesota Extension poultry specialist Melvin L. Hamre notes that chickens tend to be quite easy to hatch while goose eggs prove more difficult. Quails are another popular bird to hatch and with many subspecies in existence, they offer a great variety of colors and sizes.
Buy your hatching eggs locally, if possible. A quick online search or scan through the newspaper will highlight country auctions, swap meets or livestock sales--all prime sources of hatching eggs. Hamre suggests talking to your county extension agent or extension poultry specialist for recommendations of a local source. He also recommends buying hatching eggs from a nearby poultry farmer.
Try using a site such as BackyardHatchery.com to find a local hatchery from which to purchase eggs. Meeting the owners and seeing directly where the eggs come from can reassure buyers that the eggs are high quality and will produce a healthy flock. Also, less transportation time for the eggs means less stress on the birds.
Shop around online using sites such as Goodybye City Life to compare prices and learn more about hatching eggs. For rookie hatchers, this is a convenient way to purchase eggs. Buyers may pose questions or get advice from these online hatcheries and eggs are delivered safely to their doorstep.
Bid on eggs using eBay. Set up an account on eBay and search for hatching eggs. Prospective buyers can place a bid on the eggs they would like or can immediately buy the listing for a fixed price. This is an easy way to locate hundreds of hatcheries on one site.
Purchase all of your eggs from the same source. University of Nebraska Poultry Extension Assistant Dan J. McGuire, and Poultry Extension Specialist Sheila E. Scheideler, recommend this practice to prevent the spread of disease.
Inspect the eggs carefully once they arrive and be certain you have all the supplies necessary to hatch the eggs. Ask a local hatchery or online store what type of incubator is best for the eggs purchased. Ensure that the eggs are hatched properly and enjoy the new flock.
How to Buy Hatching Eggs
For years, farmers have relied on hatching eggs as part of their livelihood. Recently, individuals and families have taken up hatching eggs as a way to begin a small-scale farm or, simply for pleasure. While hatching eggs proves quite fulfilling, often people find it difficult to obtain the eggs to hatch. Fortunately, many hatcheries have websites, as well as a plethora of information to help new hatchers get started. Once you know where to go, and the steps to take, you'll find it quite easy to buy hatching eggs.