Selling of Eggs for Hatching

[michaelm4msu]

I am a long time breeder of exotic game birds (quail, pheasants, partridge, etc) and am just getting back into the hobby after stopping for a few years due to job related transfers.  To get re-started I have bid/purchased several types of eggs in past two months, including Mountain Quail, Red Golden Pheasant and chicken eggs.  While I fully realize purchasing eggs that must be shipped is a risk under best of conditions, those selling/shipping eggs should ALWAYS label the package with language such as "Hatching Eggs - Handle With Care", or somthing similar. Out of at least eight recent purchases, four appeared to be just ordinary packages.  While it is true that some postal employees ignore such labeling, many do pay attention and take extra care, so PLEASE label appropriately! I would be very pleased if eBay made this a condition required to place such adds/auctions.

[18704d]

"ALWAYS label the package with language such as "Hatching Eggs - Handle With Care", or somthing similar. "

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Hi.

With all the automation, high speed sorters, etc.

Does the Post Office even read, or heed such labelling?

Thanks,

Lynn

[keziak]

I get messages from people about how they want their orders packed and/or labelled. It's a hassle but maybe worthwhile to email your sellers about labeling the boxes appropriately. 

I was in the P.O. once when someone got a package of peeping chicks. That was so cute.  I guess they were shipped as chicks, not eggs though?

[acgolfer1]

Just maybe they were eggs when shipped.

Sorry couldn't resist.

[tatertot2u57]

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@acgolfer1 wrote:

Just maybe they were eggs when shipped.

Sorry couldn't resist.

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LOL, prob. a lot of truth in that !  

seriously though per OP's thoughts, I know some people who buy and sell eggs here on ebay.

They  all say what he'd  like to see be done would  ...for the most part.... do no good except maybe with the intial and final  drop off points .

 In between...those pkgs.  go on conveyor belts , etc. and are  barely inspected by humans at all, least that's what I've heard. 

Some even say the more you put FRAGILE on a pkg. the more of an invitation it is to some P.O. employees to think hmmm, how far can I drop kick this box ?

[d-k_treasures]

I think this is an instance where that 10.00(?) 'Special Handling' sticker/option would come in.

[michaelm4msu]

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@18704d wrote:

"ALWAYS label the package with language such as "Hatching Eggs - Handle With Care", or somthing similar. "

-------------

Hi.

With all the automation, high speed sorters, etc.

Does the Post Office even read, or heed such labelling?

Thanks,

Lynn

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Good question Lynn. I think in some cases involving automation it makes little difference, but I'm told by local postmaster that it is very helpful when people like myself want them to set aside eggs at po for pickup rather than have them go out on delivery truck. They told me if it says "eggs" they never just toss it in bin with other packages that have come in.  This is a mostly rural area, so obviously not everyone will get good service like I do, but certainly worth a try and much better on the eggs.