SHIPPING  & DELIVERY

Shipping & Pickup Policy

Welcome to Forestgate Farms. We specialize in rare and heritage chicken breeds including Ayam Cemani, Deathlayer, Lavender Ameraucana, and Svarthöna, with a strong focus on health, genetics, and breed quality.

Because live animals and hatching eggs are delicate, we strongly prefer local pickup or in-person meetups whenever possible to ensure the safety and well-being of the birds and eggs.

• Hatching eggs may be shipped when available, at the buyer’s risk, due to factors outside our control during transit.

• Day-old chicks may be shipped for an additional fee, depending on weather, timing, and availability.

• Pickup and meetups are always preferred and encouraged.

We regularly travel through Northern Ontario (as far as Blind River) and can often arrange meetups along our route. Please contact us in advance to schedule pickup appointments or discuss delivery and meetup options.

 

Returns, Exchanges & Guarantees

We stand behind the integrity of our birds and our breeding program.

• In the rare event that a chick or bird turns out to be impure or mixed-breed accidentally, we will offer a replacement or refund once the issue is confirmed.

• We do our best to maintain genetic health and breed purity, including regularly outcrossing roosters to avoid inbreeding and strengthen long-term lines.

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Sexing Policy

• Chicks are typically sold unsexed unless otherwise stated.

• Many of the rare breeds we raise are notoriously difficult to sex until they are several weeks or months old.

• Customers are welcome to select chicks in person, but sex cannot be guaranteed unless explicitly sold as sexed or from auto-sexing lines.

Due to the nature of live animals, returns are not accepted for reasons other than confirmed impurity or health issues present at pickup.

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Questions or Arrangements

Please contact us to:

• Arrange pickup appointments

• Discuss shipping or delivery options

• Coordinate meetups along our Northern Ontario travel routes

• Ask about availability, timing, or breed-specific details

We’re always happy to talk birds and make sure expectations are clear before purchase.