How Are Live Chickens Shipped?

Can Live Chickens Be Shipped Through the Mail?

Yes — live chickens have been legally shipped through USPS since the early 1900s. The United States Postal Service specifically permits live poultry shipments via Priority Mail Express under federal regulation 39 CFR 111. Live Poultry Store has been shipping live chickens safely since 2003 with a 99% live arrival rate.

What Kind of Box Are Chickens Shipped In?

Live chickens are shipped in specially designed USDA-approved boxes that feature: double-wall corrugated construction for insulation, pre-cut ventilation holes on all sides, a divider grid to keep birds separated and upright, and a secure lid that allows airflow without escape.

Live Poultry Store uses premium shipping boxes that have been tested and refined over 22 years of live poultry shipping. Each box is sized for the number of birds ordered to ensure the right warmth ratio.

What Goes Inside the Shipping Box?

Every Live Poultry Store shipping box contains: organic wood shavings or paper bedding for grip, comfort, and warmth; water gel packs (not water bowls — no spillage risk); and a small amount of feed for orders over 2 days transit. The NPIP health certificate and our free Chicken Care Guide are also included in every box.

Why USPS Priority Mail Express?

USPS Priority Mail Express is the only mail service authorized for live poultry shipments. It offers 1–2 day domestic delivery with real-time tracking, early morning delivery at most post offices, and requires your post office to call you immediately upon arrival. No other carrier — not UPS, FedEx, or regular USPS — is permitted for live animal mail shipments.

How Long Does Live Chicken Shipping Take?

Domestic US shipping via USPS Priority Mail Express typically takes 1–2 business days from ship date. International shipping varies by country — typically 2–7 days with USDA-approved freight carriers. We ship on Monday through Thursday to avoid birds sitting in a post office over weekends.

What Happens When My Chickens Arrive at the Post Office?

Federal law requires USPS post offices to call you immediately when live animals arrive — typically between 6–9am on delivery morning. You must pick up your birds same day. When you arrive, the post office staff will retrieve the box from their back room. Inspect the box before leaving — if any birds appear unwell, document with photos and contact us within 24 hours to activate our live arrival guarantee.

What Should I Do When I Get Home with My Birds?

Open the shipping box immediately in a warm, draft-free indoor space. Offer clean room-temperature water first — add electrolytes if available. Allow birds to rest and drink for 30 minutes before offering feed. Keep chicks at 95°F for the first week; adult birds can be kept at room temperature. Follow the care guide included in every order. Call us at (346) 636-0501 with any questions — we answer 7 days a week.