Help & FAQs
This page answers common questions about hatching eggs, chicks, pullets, shipping, and care. We are committed to transparency and helping you succeed with your poultry flock.
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General Questions
Quick access to ordering, accounts, and overall company info.
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Health & Pickup
Quick access to biosecurity, health guarantees, and local Arnold, MD pickup.
Browse by Topic
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Breed & Quality
Quick access to heritage breeds, NPIP certification, and quality standards.
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Hatching Eggs
Quick access to fertility rates, shipping packaging, and incubation care.
General Questions
Is TE&A Hatchery LLC NPIP certified?
Yes, we are NPIP certified. We adhere to rigorous health and biosecurity standards to ensure our birds are Pullorum-Typhoid and Avian Influenza clean.
What does TE&A Hatchery sell?
TE&A Hatchery offers chicks, started pullets, cockerels, hatching eggs, and select adult birds when available. Availability changes by hatch dates, season, breed, and customer demand.
Where is TE&A Hatchery located?
TE&A Hatchery is based in the Arnold, Maryland area and primarily offers local pickup or local delivery when available.
Do you ship chicks or eggs?
Shipping may be available depending on the number of birds, weight, weather, box requirements, and destination. We currently only ship within the United States and do not ship to Alaska or Hawaii.
How do I reserve chicks or pullets?
Birds are reserved once payment or deposit is received, depending on the listing. Because availability changes quickly, birds are not considered held until TE&A Hatchery confirms the reservation.
Do you guarantee the sex of chicks?
Unless listed as sexed pullets or sexed cockerels, chicks are sold as straight run. Straight run means the chick could be male or female. Started birds that are old enough to identify may be listed as pullets or cockerels.
What does “straight run” mean?
Straight run means the chicks are not guaranteed male or female. It is the natural mix from a hatch.
What is a pullet?
A pullet is a young female chicken, usually under one year old, that has not reached full mature laying age yet or has recently started laying.
What is a cockerel?
A cockerel is a young male chicken, usually under one year old.
Do you take returns?
For biosecurity reasons, TE&A Hatchery does not accept returned birds once they leave our property. This helps protect our flock and other customers’ birds from illness or pests.
What should I bring when picking up chicks or pullets?
Please bring a safe box, pet carrier, or ventilated transport container. For chicks, use a small box with bedding or a towel on the bottom so they do not slide around during the ride home.
Can I visit the farm or walk through the chicken areas?
To protect our flock, we limit access to bird areas. Biosecurity is very important, and outside shoes, clothing, and equipment can accidentally carry disease.
Breed & Quality
What poultry breeds do you specialize in?
We specialize in heritage and rare breeds selected for productivity, health, and excellent temperament, all raised in Maryland lands.
Are Ayam Cemani always fully black?
Ayam Cemani are known for their dark black appearance, but not every chick will be perfect. Some may show color leakage, white toes, lighter nails, or incomplete fibromelanosis.
What does color leakage mean?
Color leakage means non-black coloring appears where black is expected. This can include white toes, lighter nails, lighter skin, or other lighter areas.
Are color leakage chicks still healthy?
Yes. Color leakage is usually a cosmetic or breeding-quality issue, not a health issue. These birds can still make great pets, flock birds, or egg layers depending on their sex and purpose.
Are color leakage chicks discounted?
Yes. TE&A Hatchery may offer color leakage chicks at a discounted price, depending on availability and the specific bird.
Do you sell show-quality birds?
Unless specifically stated, birds are sold as healthy farm, backyard, breeding, or pet-quality birds. TE&A Hatchery does not guarantee show results.
Do you sell breeding-quality birds?
Some birds may be suitable for breeding, but buyers should understand breed standards and select carefully. TE&A Hatchery will be honest about known faults, leakage, or traits when visible.
Health & Pickup
Can I pick up my chicks locally?
Yes, local pickup is available in Arnold, Maryland. Please contact us to schedule a time after placing your order.
Are the birds healthy when sold?
TE&A Hatchery does its best to sell active, healthy birds. Customers should inspect birds at pickup. Once birds leave our care, their health depends on the buyer’s setup, feed, heat, stress levels, and biosecurity.
Why do chicks need heat?
Young chicks cannot fully regulate their body temperature. They need a warm brooder until they are feathered enough and outdoor temperatures are safe.
Should I quarantine new birds?
Yes. Any new birds should be quarantined away from your existing flock for at least 2 to 4 weeks. This protects both your birds and the new birds.
Can chicks go straight outside?
Usually, No. Chicks need a brooder with proper heat, bedding, feed, and water. They should not go outside full-time until they are fully feathered and the weather is appropriate.
What do I feed chicks?
Feed chicks a quality chick starter feed. Medicated or non-medicated feed is a personal choice, but chicks should always have fresh feed and clean water available.
Hatching Eggs
How are hatching eggs packaged for shipping?
We use double-boxed, vibration-dampening packaging to protect fertility. We ship via USPS Priority for the fastest delivery.
Do you guarantee hatching eggs?
No hatchery can guarantee hatch rates once eggs leave the farm. Fertility, shipping, storage, incubator settings, humidity, temperature, and handling all affect hatch results.
Are your eggs fertile?
TE&A Hatchery makes every reasonable effort to provide fertile eggs from active breeding groups, but fertility can vary by season, rooster activity, age, weather, and handling.
How should I store hatching eggs before incubating?
Store eggs pointy side down in a cool location, ideally around 55 to 65°F, and avoid washing them. Gently tilt or turn them once or twice daily if they are being stored for more than a day.
How long can I store hatching eggs?
For best results, incubate within 7 days. Eggs may still hatch after that, but hatch rates often decrease the longer they are stored.
Should shipped eggs rest before incubation?
Yes. Shipped eggs should usually rest pointy side down for 12 to 24 hours before incubation to allow the air cell to settle.
Still Have Questions?
We're here to help you succeed with your poultry journey. Reach out if your question isn’t answered and our team will get back to you as soon as possible.