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Shipping & NPIP

How live-bird shipping works.

Quick reference for what to expect at every step. For the full state-by-state ruleset, see the import-rules cheat sheet.

Who ships what

Breeders ship birds, not us. The marketplace is a directory and inquiry platform; you contract with the breeder. The breeder is responsible for NPIP paperwork, packing, and getting the box to USPS.

How long shipments take

Minimum orders

USPS requires 15 day-old chicks minimum per box for warmth (or 6 with heat pack in a small-box config). Below that count, breeders typically require pickup or combine your order with others.

State import rules in plain English

Easy ship-in (most of the US)

Standard NPIP shipment, no extra paperwork on the buyer's end. Includes most of the South, Midwest, Mountain West, and inland Northeast.

Health certificate required

VS Form 9-3 or state-issued certificate, dated within 7-10 days of shipment. Common in coastal states: CA, NY, NJ, FL, OR, WA, MA, VA, NC.

Permit required

California (adult birds) and New York (adult birds) require state permits before shipment. Day-old chicks under NPIP usually OK.

Restricted

Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, USVI. Most breeders won't ship. Quarantine or full import permit required.

Full state-by-state cheat sheet ->

What to do when your shipment arrives

  1. USPS calls the buyer when the box arrives at the destination hub. Have your phone on the morning of arrival.
  2. Pick up directly at the hub - don't wait for door delivery.
  3. Open the box on a flat, draft-free surface. Count birds. Photograph the box and shipping label before unpacking.
  4. Dip each chick's beak in lukewarm water and place under a 95F heat lamp with chick crumbles and water.
  5. Watch them for 30 minutes. Healthy chicks chirp, peck, and explore.
  6. If losses exceed your Live Arrival Guarantee tier window, file a claim at /claim.html with your photos.

Federal & legal disclosures

Interstate shipment of live poultry is regulated by USDA APHIS under 9 CFR Part 145 (NPIP) and the destination state's agricultural code. Migratory waterfowl (Wood Ducks, Mallards intended for release, Mandarins) additionally fall under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act and require US Fish & Wildlife Service permits in some cases. Buyers are responsible for confirming local zoning, permitting, and animal-welfare rules before purchase. FastPoultry does not warrant compliance with any specific jurisdiction's rules; we provide breeder verification (NPIP status displayed) and shipping infrastructure, but the buyer and breeder are the responsible parties under federal and state law.