Terms of service

Hatching Egg Shipping Terms of Service

By purchasing shipped hatching eggs from Rustic Roots Farm, you acknowledge and agree to all terms listed below. These terms exist to protect both the buyer and the seller and to ensure clear expectations regarding shipped fertile eggs.

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1. Nature of Shipped Hatching Eggs

Hatching eggs are a fragile and perishable product. Once eggs leave our farm, they are exposed to variables beyond our control including postal handling, x-ray scanning, temperature changes, vibration, pressure changes, and delays.

Because of this:

We do NOT guarantee hatch rate on shipped eggs.

We can only guarantee that eggs are collected fresh from healthy, properly maintained breeding stock and are fertile when they leave our farm.

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2. Fertility

Our flock is actively breeding and fertility is monitored regularly. However, hatch success depends on:

- incubation technique
- incubator accuracy
- humidity control
- handling after delivery
- shipping stress

For this reason, Rustic Roots Farm guarantees fertility only at the time of shipment — not hatchability after shipment.

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3. Shipping & Carrier Responsibility

All shipped orders are sent via USPS Priority Mail (unless otherwise agreed).

Once the package is accepted by the postal carrier, ownership and risk transfer to the buyer.

Rustic Roots Farm is not responsible for:

- postal delays
- lost packages
- rough handling
- cracked eggs caused during shipping
- temperature damage (hot or cold)
- carrier negligence

Shipping insurance is optional and must be requested and paid for by the buyer before shipment.

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4. No Refunds / No Replacements

Due to the nature of hatching eggs:

All sales are final.
We do not offer refunds, replacements, or credits for:

- low hatch rates
- clear eggs
- quitters
- damaged embryos
- late delivery
- postal mishandling
- incubator malfunction
- user error

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5. Buyer Responsibilities (Very Important)

By purchasing, the buyer confirms they:

- understand how to incubate poultry eggs
- own a calibrated incubator
- understand humidity management
- will candle properly
- will allow shipped eggs to rest 12–24 hours (large end up) before incubation
- understand shipped eggs typically hatch at a lower rate than farm pickup eggs

We strongly recommend dry incubation practices unless you are experienced with alternative methods.

Rustic Roots Farm cannot provide technical support for incubation failures.

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6. Egg Condition on Arrival

Minor shell scuffs and detached air cells are common with shipped eggs and do not qualify for refund or replacement.

If eggs arrive visibly crushed, you must:

1. Photograph the unopened box
2. Photograph packaging
3. Photograph damaged eggs
4. File a claim with USPS

We will assist with carrier claims when possible but are not financially responsible.

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7. Order Processing

- Eggs are shipped in the order payments are received.
- We reserve the right to delay shipment due to weather, flock health, fertility checks, or egg availability.
- We will not ship during dangerous heat or freezing conditions for egg safety.

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8. Payment

Orders are not placed on the collection list until payment is received in full.

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9. Biosecurity & Right to Refuse Service

Rustic Roots Farm reserves the right to refuse service to anyone for harassment, chargebacks, abusive communication, or biosecurity concerns.

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10. Agreement

By sending payment, you confirm you have read, understood, and agreed to all Rustic Roots Farm Hatching Egg Shipping Terms of Service.

No exceptions will be made.

Thank you for supporting small farms and heritage poultry breeding.

Rustic Roots Farm
NPIP / AI-PT Certified
Saucier, Mississippi