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Tools · Hatching cost

Hatching cost calculator

Estimate the all-in cost per hatched chick. Compare to buying day-olds to decide which makes more sense for your flock.

Number of eggs setting

Cost per dozen ($)

Shipping cost ($, total)

Expected hatch rate (%)

Incubator wattage (W)

Electricity rate ($/kWh)

Incubation days

Your time (hrs)

Your hourly rate ($)

Local pickup beats shipping. Saving $35 shipping on 24 eggs drops your cost-per-chick by $2.25 if you hatch 16.
NPIP breeders get higher hatch rates. Properly stored eggs hatch at 70%+; bargain eggs at 35-45%.
The 24h rest rule. Letting shipped eggs sit fat-end-up for 24h before setting adds 10-20% to hatch rate.
Skip the time-value for hobby flocks. If hatching is fun for you, set the hourly to $0.

Results