Trusted & Transparent Heritage Poultry Refund Policy 2026

At Crested Poultry, transparency and responsibility guide every aspect of our operation. This heritage poultry refund policy is designed to clearly outline our approach to returns, refunds, and customer responsibilities while protecting the health, safety, and welfare of our poultry.

Because we work with live animals, our policies differ from standard retail businesses. We encourage every customer to read this page carefully before placing an order.

Overview of Returns & Refunds

Due to biosecurity risks and animal welfare considerations, returns of live poultry are strictly prohibited. Once poultry leaves our care, it cannot be returned under any circumstances.

Refunds may be considered only under specific conditions, outlined below, and are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

This policy applies to:

Why Livestock Returns Are Not Allowed

Livestock returns pose a serious biosecurity threat. Poultry that has left our facility may be exposed to pathogens, stress factors, or environmental conditions beyond our control.

Allowing returned poultry would risk:

  • Disease introduction
  • Compromised flock health
  • Genetic contamination
  • Animal welfare violations

For these reasons, Crested Poultry does not accept livestock returns under any circumstances.

Unauthorized attempts to return poultry may be considered animal abandonment and reported to the appropriate authorities.

Responsibility for Unwanted Poultry

Purchasing poultry requires preparation and long-term responsibility. If you receive poultry you can no longer keep, it is the purchaser’s responsibility to:

  • Re-home the bird responsibly
  • Repurpose according to local regulations
  • Surrender to a local animal shelter or authority

Crested Poultry cannot accept responsibility for unwanted livestock once delivered.

Product-Specific Return & Refund Guidelines

Hatching Eggs

Hatching eggs are sold as is and non-refundable.

Important considerations:

  • Fertilized eggs naturally have variable hatch rates
  • Shipping conditions can affect development
  • Incubation practices vary widely
  • Not all eggs are fertilized at time of lay

By purchasing hatching eggs, you acknowledge the inherent risks involved. Hatch rates may range from 0% to 100%, and no refunds or replacements are offered for non-developing or unhatched eggs.

If you are not comfortable with this risk, we strongly recommend not purchasing hatching eggs.

Chicks

Refunds for chicks may be considered only if losses are reported within 48 hours of delivery.

To qualify:

  • Losses must be reported within 48 hours
  • Photo documentation is required
  • Total received count must be provided
  • Losses must not result from improper care

What is covered:

  • Live arrival issues
  • Losses during the first 48 hours

What is not covered:

  • Losses beyond 48 hours
  • Improper brooder setup
  • Temperature mismanagement
  • Lack of preparedness

Shipping costs are non-refundable.

Juvenile Poultry

Juveniles are typically 6 weeks old at the time of fulfillment and are sold straight run only.

Refund eligibility:

  • Losses must be reported within 48 hours
  • Proof of loss is required
  • Determined on a case-by-case basis

Juvenile poultry refunds will not be granted for losses caused by:

  • Inadequate housing
  • Improper integration
  • Environmental stress
  • Purchaser error

Started Pullets

Started pullets are at least 12 weeks old and are the only poultry we sell with a sex guarantee.

Refund or resolution may be considered for:

  • Losses reported within 48 hours
  • Verified misidentified males

Requirements:

  • Email notification within 48 hours
  • Photo proof of the bird
  • Order details provided

Misidentified males may be eligible for:

  • Replacement
  • Store credit
  • Refund (at our discretion)

The bird itself cannot be returned and must be re-homed or surrendered locally.

Sexing Accuracy & Buyer Awareness

While we take care to provide accurate sexing, poultry sexing is not always 100% precise.

Important disclosures:

  • Straight-run birds have a ~50% male probability
  • Sexed chicks carry a 90% accuracy standard
  • Juveniles are sold straight run with no guarantees

Purchasers must plan accordingly before ordering.

Refund Methods & Limitations

Approved refunds may be issued as:

  • Original payment method refund
  • Store credit
  • Gift card
  • Replacement poultry

Refunds are limited to the cost of poultry only.
Shipping fees are non-refundable, as they are third-party services.

Crested Poultry reserves the right to determine the most appropriate form of resolution.

Refund Review Process

All refund requests are reviewed individually.

You may be required to provide:

Refund requests may be denied if losses are attributed to:

  • Improper setup
  • Inadequate preparation
  • Environmental negligence
  • Failure to follow basic poultry care standards

This heritage poultry refund policy exists to ensure fairness while maintaining flock health and ethical standards.

Refund Processing Timeframes

If a refund is approved:

  • Payment method refunds: up to 72 hours
  • Store credit or gift card: issued immediately
  • Replacements: scheduled by mutual agreement

Replacement shipments may incur additional shipping costs, which are the responsibility of the purchaser.

Customer Communication Expectations

We strive to respond to refund inquiries within 24–48 business hours.

During peak hatching or shipping periods, response times may be slightly extended. Every request is reviewed by a real team member with poultry experience.

As a responsible breeder, Crested Poultry applies this heritage poultry refund policy consistently and professionally.

Commitment to Ethical Standards

This policy reflects our commitment to:

  • Biosecurity
  • Animal welfare
  • Ethical breeding
  • Transparent business practices

Our goal is not only to deliver quality poultry but to support informed, responsible ownership.

The heritage poultry refund policy is part of that commitment.

Final Acknowledgment

By placing an order with Crested Poultry, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this heritage poultry refund policy.

We encourage all customers to contact us with questions before ordering to ensure the best possible experience for both poultry and owner.

Crested Poultry — Heritage Breeds. Ethically Raised. Trusted Quality.

heritage poultry refund policy