As we work with live chicks and prioritize the health and safety of our flock, we’re unable to take returns for any reason. Still, we want you to feel supported—so we offer the following policies for your order
Day-Old Poultry 48-Hour Livability Policy
We aim for every chick to arrive healthy and thriving. If you experience a loss or receive an injured chick within the first 48 hours—and proper care has been provided—we will issue a refund or, when appropriate, arrange a replacement. Photos may be requested to help us verify the issue.
Orders of 25 chicks or more may include a few extra birds at no charge. These are added as a courtesy to help offset any early losses.
Replacement Order Guidelines (Effective 1/13/2025):
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Replacement shipments are only available if more than half of the chicks in the original order are lost. Losses below this amount qualify for a refund only.
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All replacement orders must meet our required minimums for safe shipping.
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Replacements must be requested promptly at the end of the 48-hour reporting window.
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Chicks purchased from our retail bins are also covered for the first 48 hours after pickup.
Please submit your losses using our loss-reporting form immediately after the 48-hour period ends. Refunds or credits will never exceed the original purchase price. If losses occur on a replacement shipment, we will refund the affected chicks rather than send another reshipment, as the well-being of live animals must come first.
We cannot cover losses that occur in uncontrolled environments, such as when chicks are placed under a broody hen.
Pickup Requirements:
Orders must be picked up from the Post Office as soon as they arrive. Any order not collected within 8 hours forfeits coverage under our livability policy. The Post Office may rehome live birds left overnight due to their perishable nature, and in those cases, no refund or reshipment can be offered.
We are also unable to cover losses caused by incorrect contact information (address, phone number, or email) provided at checkout.
Day-Old Poultry Product Quality Policy
We take great care to ensure every chick that leaves our farm is healthy, vigorous, and bred to our quality standards. Before shipping or pickup, each chick is carefully inspected to confirm it meets our requirements for overall condition, breed accuracy, and vitality.
Because we are working with live animals, slight variations in appearance—such as size, feather growth, or coloring—are normal and not considered defects. Chicks are sold as the breed or variety listed at the time of purchase, but we cannot guarantee show-quality traits.
Any concerns regarding the quality or accuracy of your order must be reported within 48 hours of receiving your chicks. After this window, we consider the order accepted and cannot make adjustments.
Our goal is to provide strong, healthy poultry that gives you the best possible start. If you ever have questions about chick care or breed characteristics, we’re always happy to help guide you.
Marek’s Vaccination:
The Marek’s vaccination is an optional service that we offer on standard and bantam chickens. Meyer Hatchery recommends this service because the disease is easily spread. Exposed chickens will become infected with Marek's regardless of vaccination. Vaccination only gives chickens a chance to build resistance and reduces the instances of symptoms developing. There is no cure for the disease. Meyer Hatchery is not responsible for loss or damages due to Marek’s Disease, even if your chicks were vaccinated.
If you request the Marek’s Vaccination service and also order a Meyer Meal Maker, your Meyer Meal Maker will also be vaccinated. All free extras will be vaccinated as well.
Hatching Egg Policy
We collect hatching eggs every Monday and ship them out on Tuesdays using USPS Priority Mail. Orders are usually delivered right to your address. We ship eggs year-round, but please keep weather conditions in mind when placing your order.
Our guarantee covers two things:
Because many factors during shipping and incubation are out of our control, we cannot guarantee hatch rates. If any eggs arrive broken, we offer a one-time refund or replacement, as long as the damage is reported right away.
Hatching eggs remain viable for up to two weeks after being laid. While shipping delays are rare, they can happen. If your package is delayed, simply incubate your eggs as usual. We only offer credit if the package arrives more than 5 days after the shipping date.
Freedom Family Farms Inc is a member of the NPIP ( National Poultry Improvement Plan)
Merchandise (Non-Live Products):
Merchandise ordered from Meyer Hatchery will be shipped within 48 business hours and should arrive to you within 5-7 business days, depending on the shipping method chosen at checkout. Should your merchandise be damaged or missing a part/piece, contact Meyer Hatchery Customer Service immediately. Shipping rates are by weight and will be calculated by the cart.
Some of our merchandise is shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are notated on the website and will ship in 2-3 weeks.
Merchandise items may be returned within 30 days of purchase. Due to strict hatchery biosecurity, Items must be in original packaging and in unused condition. Returns must be authorized by Meyer Hatchery Customer Service. We can offer a refund or exchange on returned merchandise. Meyer Hatchery is not able to accept returns on digital items such as gift cards or coop plans, feed, or vaccines.
