Live Poultry Policy
Last Updated: August 2026
The health and welfare of our birds come first. Because poultry are living animals, purchasing them involves biological variability that cannot be completely controlled or guaranteed.
Health at Transfer
We will not knowingly sell or ship a chick or other bird that appears sick, injured, or unfit for transfer at the time it leaves our care.
Once poultry leave our care, their health is affected by transportation, temperature, housing, nutrition, water, sanitation, predators, stress, integration with other birds, and many other factors outside our control.
Live Arrival for Shipped Poultry
When live shipping is offered, any live-arrival guarantee displayed for the applicable order will require the customer to follow the claim procedures stated in our Shipping Policy.
The customer must be available to receive the shipment promptly.
Local Pickup
Customers should inspect their birds at pickup.
Once birds have been accepted and leave our property or designated pickup location, Atlas Palm Hatchery cannot guarantee their continued health or survival.
Biosecurity
For the protection of our flock, customer access to breeding pens, brooders, incubator areas, and other poultry areas may be restricted.
Pickup locations and procedures may be changed when necessary for biosecurity.
Genetics & Appearance
Unless specifically guaranteed in the product listing, we do not guarantee:
- Adult size
- Adult color or pattern
- Crest size or shape
- Feather quality
- Egg color or shade
- Temperament
- Breeding ability
- Fertility
- Show quality
- Conformation
- Genetic traits not expressly identified as guaranteed
- Future reproductive performance
Young poultry can change significantly as they mature.
Sex
Unless a listing specifically states otherwise, chicks are sold straight run and are governed by our Straight Run Policy.
Breeding & Project Birds
Some Atlas Palm Hatchery birds may come from developing breeding projects.
Project birds can produce greater variation than established standardized varieties. Expected or possible traits described in a listing are not guarantees that every offspring will express those traits.
Customer Preparation
Before receiving poultry, customers should have appropriate housing, heat when required, feed, clean water, predator protection, and other supplies suitable for the species and age purchased.
Customers are responsible for learning the husbandry requirements of the poultry they purchase.
Veterinary Care
Atlas Palm Hatchery does not provide veterinary advice or veterinary services. Customers are responsible for obtaining qualified veterinary assistance when appropriate.