Refund Policy

At Hatchaholics, we value our customers and strive to ensure a positive experience with every order. Due to the delicate nature of hatching eggs and live animals, our refund policy is as follows:

Refund Eligibility

Refunds will only be issued under the following circumstances:

1. Non-Shipping by Vendor: If the vendor fails to ship the product within the stated timeline.
2. Incorrect Address: If the vendor ships the product to the wrong address.
3. Wrong Product: If the vendor ships a product that is not as described in the order.
4. Guarantees: If a guarantee was purchased, refunds or vendor store credit (minus the booking fee) will be issued after the claim process is completed and proof is submitted showing that the vendor did not fulfill their obligations.
5. Poor Packaging: If the vendor packages hatching eggs poorly and they are damaged due to negligence during shipping.

Important Notes

• Shipping Conditions: We do not control shipping conditions, and we strongly recommend purchasing insurance to safeguard your shipment.
• Incubation Conditions: Hatching eggs and live animals require specific care. Refunds will not be issued for failures caused by improper incubation or care.
• Fragile Nature of Products: Hatching eggs and live animals are inherently delicate. While we take great care to ensure quality and viability, no guarantees can be made for factors outside of our control once the product leaves the vendor.

Refund Process

To request a refund, please follow these steps:

1. Submit a request through our support center within 48 hours of the issue occurring.
2. Include your order details, proof of purchase, and relevant documentation (e.g., photos, proof of packaging, proof of incubation conditions).
3. Allow up to 7 business days for your request to be reviewed and processed.

By placing an order on our platform, you agree to these terms. For additional questions, feel free to contact us at info@hatchaholics.com.

DownEast Araucana – Supplemental Terms & Conditions

These supplemental terms apply to purchases from DownEast Araucana on Hatchaholics.com. By placing an order, you agree to both Hatchaholics’ Terms and Conditions and the following:

1. Certification & Health

• DownEast Araucana is NPIP-certified under #1384 in Maine, in accordance with the State of Maine regulations (US Pullorum-Typhoid Clean State).

• All birds and eggs are sold under this certification.

2. Products, Packaging & Shipping

• Hatching Eggs:

  • Shipped via USPS or UPS.

  • Eggs are fertile at the time of shipping, labeled and dated before packaging.

  • Shipments are boxed and marked appropriately (e.g., “Fragile” / “Live Embryos”) in line with postal guidelines.

  • Shipping foam and best-practice packing materials are used to maximize safety.

  • Hatch rates are not guaranteed unless a guarantee option is purchased. Buyers assume all risk once eggs are shipped.

• Chicks and Started Birds:

  • Shipped via USPS only.

  • Buyers assume risk once animals are in the care of the carrier.

  • If a bird dies in USPS transit, there is no recourse for recovering shipping costs. However, DownEast Araucana will replace or refund the cost of the deceased bird(s) at our discretion.

• Local Pickup / USDA Transport:

  • Buyers may coordinate local pickup or USDA-certified transport by emailing downeastaraucana@gmail.com ahead of time.

  • Scheduling in advance is required.

• Shipping Costs:

  • All shipping costs—including postage, approved shipping boxes, and any additional handling or transportation fees—are the responsibility of the customer and are non-refundable.

• Optional Add-Ons:

  • Supplemental grow gel or heating pads are available for purchase by the customer to help chicks transition safely during shipping.

3. Hatch Variability & Extra Eggs

• Genetic Variability & Hatch Rates:

  • Araucana chickens carry tufted and rumpless traits that reduce hatchability.

  • Tufted × Tufted pairings can produce up to 25% lethal embryos, with overall hatch rates often 50% or lower, even under optimal conditions.

  • Buyers should expect variability in hatches and chick outcomes.

• No Guarantee Shipments:

  • Buyers understand that eggs may not hatch, and chicks—even if hatched—might not survive due to genetic traits or shipping stress.

• Extra Eggs (When Available):

  • Extra eggs may be included at no charge when available.

  • We cannot guarantee extras will come from the exact color pen ordered.

• Order Fulfillment Schedule:

  • Orders are filled first-come, first-served after test hatches conclude each season.

  • Shipping is weather-dependent, typically available:

    • March – June

    • Late August – October

4. Guarantees & Payments

• Guaranteed Shipments:

  • If a guarantee option is selected, buyers must provide timely documentation of non-viability:

    • Eggs: Seller must be notified within 48 hours of candling at 10 days with photo and/or video proof of non-viability.

    • Chicks: Seller must be notified within 72 hours of hatch with photo and/or video proof failed hatch.

  • Failure to provide timely notification and proof voids the guarantee.

  • Terms for replacement or credit will be communicated at the time of purchase.

• Non-Refundable Down Payments:

  • Any deposit or down payment required to reserve eggs or birds is non-refundable, even if hatches or deliveries do not meet expectations.

5. Responsibility & Care

• Buyers are responsible for proper care, housing, and feeding appropriate to the age and breed of the bird.

• DownEast Araucana is not liable for loss, injury, or mortality that occurs after shipment or pickup.

6. Compliance With Hatchaholics Terms

• All sales are governed primarily by Hatchaholics Terms and Conditions.

• These supplemental terms clarify shipping, certification, genetic concerns, guarantees, extra egg policy, and payment practices specific to DownEast Araucana.