Shipping Hatching Eggs

[John W Blehm]

Many folks have their own special and favorite ways to package and ship hatching eggs.  I've used the foam rubber blocks (Foam Egg Shippers from Horizon Micro-Environments) with holes, that are designed for shipping eggs.  The secret is to double box them to just about eliminate breakage.  Once in the box the blocks fit in, wrap it with large bubble wrap and slide it into a second box.  The boxes and bubble wrap are available thru Uline.

[John W Blehm]

More photos of hatching eggs boxes...

[Suki]

Nice tutorial John.  I can't say I've ever received eggs shipped that well which probably explains why most are duds.

Sue
NePA

[Pedro Nunes Marques]

Thanks, I'm new to the forum.

Did I ask the question in the wrong place correct?

Thanks!

[Michael Muenks]

Pedro,

Don't worry if you things you post get moved. We try to keep the breeding section about genetics and breeding projects. Keep on posting!

Michael

[Pedro Nunes Marques]

Thanks!

[Pedro Nunes Marques]

Good Morning!
Hi John, how are you?
I have a question, is the foam not toxic?
I'm having a lot of losses in egg shipments I imagine it could be the foam.
Good week to everyone!!

[Mike Gilbert]

I have used the same foam shippers that John uses; in fact mine came from John.   And I have had very good luck shipping bantam eggs here in the USA.   So I don't think the foam is a problem.

[John W Blehm]

Good Morning!
Hi John, how are you?
I have a question, is the foam not toxic?
I'm having a lot of losses in egg shipments I imagine it could be the foam.
Good week to everyone!!

The foam in the photo you posted doesn't look quite the same as the foam I'm used to using.  Your foam appears more dense and rigid...not as pliable.  The standard foam we use is used by many, so I doubt it is toxic.
I wanted to buy some more, but the Horizon company no longer sells it and another company I called said they wouldn't have any until at least April.  Several other companies offer foam egg shipper, but not the size I want with the hole layout I want.

[Pedro Nunes Marques]

I understand, I bought a large batch direct from the factory, I drill the holes here. they are tougher.

I have to analyze everything, with a density of foams.

[John W Blehm]

The Foam Egg Shippers are no longer available thru Horizon.  Some other companies sell them, but some are out of stock and it isn't easy to find the hole pattern I want so I bought the foam blanks from Uline and made my own.  I made a drill jig for 1 1/4" diameter holes for bantam eggs with a 36 hole pattern to set over the foam blocks.  This places my hole cutter in position for each hole and I drill thru the jig/template and the 2" foam, with cardboard underneath.  I used an 1 1/4" diameter hole saw (for wood/plastic) to make the holes in the jig.  Foam hole cutters can be bought online that are used in upholstery, but I didn't want to wait so I went to the store and bought a 1-1/4" x 6" metal slip joint tailpiece extension tube...the one that goes under a restroom sink.  I used flat-washers and fasteners to make a shank on it so I could chuck it up in my cordless drill motor.  It is important to file the I.D. to make a very sharp cutting edge or it will pull and tear the foam.  The 2nd one I did was a breeze and I ran the cordless on very low RPMs.
Uline Soft Foam Sheets - White, 2" thick, 12 x 12"
Uline Soft Foam Sheets - White, 1⁄2" thick, 12 x 12"

[Mike Gilbert]

Sounds like you went to a lot of trouble to make Pedro happy!    If you end up with too many of the bantam size, let me know and I'll be happy to buy them from you.   I can't believe how much better they lay now that I have the light timer in the coop.   I'm only giving them 15 hours.   The Ameraucanas are outlaying the Chanteclers. 

[John W Blehm]

Sounds like you went to a lot of trouble to make Pedro happy!

I have a hard time starting on any project without knowing I can finish it and also if I feel I can't do it right...the way I feel it should be done.
I'm still not selling hatching eggs, but I've got a lot of foam to ship eggs when I want to.   

The outside shipping boxes can be flipped inside-out to reuse starting with a clean looking package. 

[Pedro Nunes Marques]

Interesting this tool, I did something similar including the template in the wood to be very symmetrical.
Congratulations John, I think we have something in common, I'm creative too

[Pedro Nunes Marques]

Look how I do.