Frequently Asked Questions

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Yes!  We hold NPIP certification in the state of Kansas.  Our NPIP number is KS-567.  We have a USDA Licensed Veterinarian test our flocks.  We are regularly tested for Pullorum Typhoid (PT) and  are H5/H7 Avian Influenza (AI) Clean.  Jessica is also a Certified PT tester for the State of Kansas.

All of our breeding hens and roosters are well over a year old, and all have gone through their first adult molt.  Most of our hens are in the 2-4 year range and are seasoned layers.  We do Not offer or sell any pullet eggs, nor do we hatch pullet eggs for any future progeny.  

All of our birds are Our Lines.  Please see our blog post about "Who's line is it anyway?" for a more complete explanation.  In August of 2023, the Gypsy Hen business was sold to Jessica, who has exceptionally high standards, so the breeding families have undergone changes needed to continue to improve upon the SOP requirements for all APA/ABA approved breeds.   All of our birds have come from reputable breeders across the nation over the past decade.  Some of those breeders are no longer participating in the hobby.  We do not buy any breeding stock from auctions, swaps, or hatcheries.

Yes!  We have options for a full dozens, half-dozens. Please note that when combining different breeds or varieties, it may delay your ship date, or your order may be split into separate shipments.

Hatching eggs are shipped via USPS Priority Mail and use a quantity of  packing materials necessary to ensure that your eggs arrive undamaged.  Depending on location, eggs typically go out Monday, Tuesday, or Friday and are the freshest eggs possible. For 18 counts and under, the eggs are double-boxed, secured  inside an inner carton, and also foiled in case of X-ray.  For counts between 19 - 48 they are not double boxed, but we do add additional cardboard to ensure structural durability.  We ONLY ship eggs within the continental U.S.A, Alaska, and Puerto Rico. We can not ship eggs outside of the continental U.S.A, or to Hawaii.  

We have two different packaging methods we use, depending on how many eggs you order.  The safest (if there is such a thing) amount is 4-18 eggs which are double boxed and seem to do better in the hands of the USPS.  For 19-48 eggs we add extra cardboard to the #7 Priority Mail box, but they are not double boxed.  If at all possible, we recommend having large orders split into groups of 12-18 so they can be double boxed.   

We do NOT guarantee any hatching rate because there are so many factors that come into play when shipping eggs, that are beyond our control, and  any of those things can alter the hatching rate.  It does not mean that  the eggs were infertile, as we do hatch our own eggs year-round, and  actively monitor fertility and hatch results.   Sometimes at best the  hatching rates of eggs shipped can be around 50-60 percent, which is  often the standard for most shipped eggs.   Some breeds are just super fragile to begin with, including many exotics and the super small breeds.  This should all be considered when placing  your order.  With this in mind we do our absolute best to ensure that  the eggs you receive are viable, shipped in a timely manner, and handled with the best care to allow the best hatching rates for you! 

Instead of a wait list, we offer pre-orders.  That means those orders are placed in advance, and the eggs have already been reserved.  Once those orders are filled, then we move to spot-orders.  We will usually post what is available for immediate  shipping on Facebook.   We always contact you before we ship, to make sure everything is ready for your eggs to arrive.  If something changes in your schedule, please let us know as soon as possible.

Yes, Absolutely!  Pre-paid orders do get priority when it comes to  shipping dates and availability.  Although we do not require anyone to  pre-pay, it does reserve your eggs.   During the busy / slow seasons, the wait times can be up to 6 weeks or longer, so we encourage you to place your order as far in advance as possible.  We  will contact you during the week prior to shipping, to confirm that you are  ready for them, and to let you know that they will be shipping soon.  

It is better for the eggs if they are held at the post office, rather than riding around with your mail carrier until they get to your mailbox  or porch.  Yes, we DO ship to PO boxes, as it's usually a fool-proof way to have them held at the post office.  If you have a particularly troublesome post office, please let us know, as we are very experienced with how the USPS works.  If you would prefer them sent to your regular address, that is fine as well, all you have to do is let us know how you  would like them addressed. 

If the eggs are actively available, there will be a button on the individual breed/variety page in our online store where you can add them to your cart.  We also accept orders through email, text, or Facebook.

Unfortunately we do not ship chicks or live birds.  Any chicks or live birds (if offered) must be picked up in-person by appointment only.  We will work with any private transporter that you have made arrangements with.  We will also transport to any show that we are attending. (Transport fees to shows may be applicable.)

Although normally we don't offer chicks, if we do happen to have extras from a hatch, unless otherwise specified, any baby chicks would be offered as Straight Run.  This means they could be boys or girls.  Unless the bird has crowed or laid an egg, there is still a small margin for error on determining gender, so please keep that in mind.  Silkies, in particular, are almost impossible to sex until they have crowed or laid an egg.

At this time, we are only offering in-person pick ups for live birds by appointment ONLY, as we do not ship live birds.  Do to bio-security regulations, we do not offer farm tours. 

Most times yes, we try to include extra eggs, although it is not guaranteed.  Depending on the time of year, we may only be able to fill the exact amount you ordered, or we may have a few extra.  Please let us know how much incubator space you have available just in case we have extra-extras!

That's Great News!  Just sit tight and usually we will email you within a day or two to set up a time for shipping that works for both of us.  If you forgot to put a note with your order, you can always send us an email!  During Show season wait times for responses may take longer than usual.  You are always welcome to send a Facebook message, text, or email!

Availability is really dependent on when you place your order, and where we are in the "Laying Season" when your order is placed.  It's best to get the order placed as early in the season as you possibly can, so that availability and shipping times are more flexible.  For Fall and late season orders, please give extra time for orders, or consider having your orders split into smaller groups, as the ladies tend to lay less during winter, after the summer heat and during molt.  Please note that during the spring busy season, or in Fall, wait times can be eight weeks or more.  We don't want to fill your inbox up with unnecessary messages, so unless we have something to report, we will refrain from emailing unless we are getting closer to your ship date.  

Even our own eggs next to a picture of the same egg will look different.  Lighting plays a huge role in the different shades of egg color as does the device you are using to view the pictures.  Many colored egg layers, Marans, Legbars, Ameraucana Olive Eggers, start out at their darkest at the beginning of the season, when they first start laying  after their winter break / molt.  As the season goes on, the eggs will get lighter.  We try and take pictures throughout the season to give you a broader perspective on what to expect.  Depending on when in the season your eggs shipped, the color can be darker or lighter.  Egg color also varies for the individual hen as well.  

We used to recommend letting the eggs "rest" for 24 hours, but after several experiments I personally have found no difference in hatching rates. I therefore recommend to get the eggs started incubating as soon as possible, after you receive them.  If your eggs arrive when it's very cold out, let the eggs come to room temperature before being placed in the  incubator.  Before any of our hatching eggs are packaged, they are wiped with a soft, clean, dry cloth, to remove any dust or debris.  

Occasionally damage in shipment does occur. In this case please contact us immediately after your order arrives, and we will discuss our options.  Although the USPS does offer insurance on all Priority Mail packages, it does NOT cover hatching eggs.

Unfortunately due to NPIP & bio-security regulations we are unable  to allow for farm tours.  Thank you for helping to keep our farm safe!