You can purchase hatching eggs in Belgium from established hatcheries such as Hatchingeggs.eu, Claeys Hatchery, Pluimvee Schouppe in Haaltert and Lafaut Poultry. These suppliers offer a variety of breeds, clear pricing and convenient contact options for both small-scale and large orders. Make sure to check availability and plan your visit or order in advance. You will find guidance on selecting, storing and handling eggs directly from these reputable sources. If you want expert tips and local insights, just keep reading.
Key points
- Claeys Hatchery, Pluimvee Schouppe and Lafaut Poultry are reputable Belgian suppliers of hatching eggs with export capabilities.
- Belgian hatcheries like Claeys and Schouppe offer a wide variety of breeds, including premium and rare types.
- Most hatcheries provide clear contact details and allow visits, but confirm opening hours and visit requirements in advance.
- Eggs are available from both local and internationally oriented hatcheries that meet high standards of genetic quality and biosecurity.
- Order directly by phone or email for up-to-date pricing, availability and logistics for hatching eggs in Belgium.
Local Poultry Farms and Hatcheries in Belgium
Looking for hatching eggs in Belgium? You will find several reputable local poultry farms and hatcheries, such as Claeys Hatchery and Pluimvee Schouppe, which offer high-quality hatching eggs and day-old chicks. Many of these businesses serve not only Belgium—they export across Europe, Africa and Asia—while ensuring strict biosecurity and high fertility rates. If you are curious about hatchery visits, some farms welcome visitors, allowing you to see their operations up close. For clarity and planning, most hatcheries are transparent about prices: for example, Azure Landes or Amber Heritage eggs typically cost €4.49–€4.99, while Chinese Dwarf Quail eggs start at €1.19 after discounts. You will also find detailed contact information, making it easy to ask questions and place direct orders with the supplier. These farms often emphasize genetic quality in their breeding stock to ensure the best results for incubation.
Popular Hatching Egg Breeds Available
When choosing hatching eggs in Belgium, you’ll find top breeds such as Amber Heritage, Ayam Cemani and Azure Landes. Many of these breeds offer unique eggshell colors and patterns, from deep blue to striking silvery tones.
Let’s look at which breeds stand out and what makes their eggs special. For those interested in smaller, fast-growing birds, the Coturnix quail provides excellent production for both eggs and meat, making it a versatile choice for hatching eggs.
Top Breeds for Hatching
Wondering which breeds are the best choice for hatching in Belgium? You’ll find that top breeds are not only popular but are also selected for strong breeding genetics and consistent fertility rates. Leading Belgian hatcheries collaborate with contracted breeding farms so you get healthy, robust chicks. If you want reliable outcomes, consider breeds like Leghorn, Sussex and Rhode Island Red for chickens, as well as Pekin and Muscovy for ducks.
Quality control is strict: professionals use egg candling before incubation to check viable embryos. This step increases hatching success and saves time. Hatcheries like Claeys specialize in day-old chicks, turkeys and partridges, while Lafaut Poultry’s expansion shows a commitment to sustainable growth. With clear rearing guidelines, you’ll be set up for successful hatching.
Unique Color Varieties
In addition to choosing top breeds for reliability, you’ll find an impressive range of unique color varieties among hatching eggs in Belgium. Lafaut hatcheries and their partners offer an impressive selection, making it easy to find striking additions for your flock. These unique color varieties not only add visual interest but also reflect the diverse genetics available in the region. Whether you’re looking for rarity or just want to brighten your poultry yard, consider these standout options:
- Azure Landes: Silver to deep blue eggs, productive layers (~200–250 eggs/year).
- Amber Heritage: Vivid red hatching eggs, also very productive (~200–250 eggs/year).
- Ayam Cemani: Impressively all-black plumage, rare and sought-after (~80–100 eggs/year).
- Chinese Dwarf Quail: Wide color variation, affordable pricing.
- Cochin Bantam: Multiple color options, consistent layers (~120–150 eggs/year).
How to Select and Handle Hatching Eggs
When choosing hatching eggs, you should select only clean, well-formed eggs and avoid any that appear damaged or unusually shaped. Handle each egg gently, keep the natural bloom intact and mark them with a pencil for easy tracking. Before starting incubation, let the eggs rest and come to room temperature to avoid stress or condensation. It’s best to use fresh eggs that are 0–7 days old and store them for incubation at about 55°F.
Choosing Quality Hatching Eggs
How do you ensure the best results when selecting hatching eggs? Start by focusing on egg freshness and reliable shipping—choose eggs only from trusted sources that guarantee recent collection and careful transport. Quality hatching eggs give you the best chance of a healthy outcome. Be selective and pay attention to these key factors:
- Eggs are clean but unwashed, preserving the natural protective layer.
- Each egg has a standard size and shape—discard eggs that are too small, large, misshapen or cracked.
- Mark eggs on the blunt end to check air cell integrity and orientation.
- Store eggs between 10–12°C in a cool, frost-free, moderately humid environment for a maximum of 10–15 days.
- Ensure eggs have time to rest and acclimate before placing them in the incubator.
Proper Egg Handling Tips
Curious about the best way to handle eggs for a successful hatch? Proper handling starts with selecting only clean, undamaged, medium-sized eggs. Do not wash them—this preserves the protective bloom. Mark each egg with a pencil on the blunt end. For egg transport, allow eggs to rest for a day before incubation so the contents can settle. Always allow cold eggs to come to room temperature before placing them in the incubator.
Store eggs at 10–12°C in a cool, humid, frost-free space—never in the refrigerator. Use only eggs from healthy hens and an unrelated rooster. To help you remember, check this quick guide:
| Step | Tip |
|---|---|
| Selection | No dirty, cracked or oddly shaped eggs |
| Storage | Store at 10–12°C, avoid refrigeration |
| Pre-incubation | Rest after transport, warm to room temperature |
Incubation and Best Practices for Chick Care
Proper incubation and chick care ensure that your hatching eggs reach their full potential. Start by paying close attention to incubation timing—let eggs rest after transport and incubate within 10–15 days, keeping them at 10–12°C in a cool, frost-free, moderately humid space. Never refrigerate eggs and do not clean them, as that removes their natural protective coating. Use a pencil to mark the blunt end (air cell side) for easy tracking. Allow chicks to remain in the incubator for about 24 hours after hatching for proper drying and to absorb leftover egg fluids.
Careful incubation and chick care—from egg storage to drying after hatching—are key to raising healthy, thriving chicks.
- Store eggs at consistent, optimal temperatures for incubation
- Avoid washing eggs; preserve their natural coating
- Exclude malformed, dirty or damaged eggs
- Mark eggs gently with a pencil
- Allow chicks to fully dry before removing them
Maintaining optimal temperature and humidity throughout incubation is essential for successful hatching.
Pricing, Vaccination and Planning for Hatching Eggs
Once you have established optimal incubation and chick care practices, it’s time to consider the practical aspects of obtaining hatching eggs in Belgium—specifically pricing, vaccination and ordering timing. Price dynamics can vary greatly depending on breed and demand. For example, Chinese Dwarf Quail eggs can cost €1.19 each (previously €1.89), while Cochin Bantam eggs currently cost €2.49 (previously €4.49). Premium varieties such as Amber Heritage and Azure Landes are available for €4.49 per egg, reduced from €6.50. When choosing your supplier, check their vaccination schedules—reputable hatcheries prioritize biosecurity and ensure their flocks follow strict health protocols. Schedule your order so that the eggs can rest prior to incubation, matching recommended timelines for optimal hatch rates and healthy chick development. Also consider premium breeds like the Bresse chicken, known for its dual-purpose qualities and exceptional flavor.
Export and International Options for Hatching Eggs
While Belgium has a strong local market for hatching eggs, there are also robust export and international options if you want to source eggs beyond national borders. Belgian hatcheries have established international partnerships, ensuring their eggs comply with export regulations and global standards for quality and biosecurity. Whether you are interested in ducklings, day-old chicks or specialty breeds, these companies support global demand. Here’s what you need to know:
- Global suppliers contract breeding farms for consistent, fertile, high-quality eggs.
- Export regulations ensure strict compliance with health and safety rules for shipments.
- Claeys Hatchery specializes in exporting day-old chicks and rare breeds across continents.
- Duck eggs benefit from advanced transport and manual vaccination.
- Belgian hatcheries foster international partnerships and extend their reach to Africa, Asia and throughout Europe.
- Many breeders offer Golden Pheasant Red hatching eggs, valued for their vibrant color and ease of rearing.
Contact Details and Opening Hours for Belgian Hatcheries
Are you looking to contact Belgian hatcheries or visit them in person? You will find several reputable options, each with clear contact details and flexible opening hours.
Pluimvee Schouppe in Haaltert, for example, offers hatching eggs and hatching services—call or email them for the latest pricing options and to arrange a visit.
Claeys Hatchery is another major player, specializing in export and exclusive operations for turkey and partridge hatcheries; their team is available for questions about availability, pricing options and logistics.
Lafaut Poultry, with a reputation for high-quality eggs and global expansion, also provides contact details on their website.
Always check each hatchery’s opening hours in advance, as visits may require appointments to ensure staff availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the costs of hatching eggs?
When looking at the market for hatching eggs, prices vary by breed and quantity. You can find quail eggs from €1.19 each, while rare breeds like Azure Landes or Amber Heritage Red cost about €4.49 after discounts.
The poultry economy shows that larger batches or exclusive breeds, such as Ayam Cemani, can raise prices—up to €4.95 per egg. Always check for discounts and current availability to maximize value.
Where is the best place to store hatching eggs?
You should store hatching eggs in a cool, clean environment, ideally between 12–16°C with 60–75% relative humidity, and always keep the pointed end down.
When considering where to source eggs, choose egg sources and suppliers that maintain strict biosecurity and freshness.
Reliable suppliers ensure your eggs are handled correctly before you receive them, so proper storage at home continues the quality they promise for successful incubation.
How often should you turn hatching eggs?
You should turn hatching eggs at least 3 to 5 times a day to maintain egg viability and support proper incubation timing.
In early stages, increase turning to every 1–2 hours, then reduce the frequency a few days before hatch.
Turning prevents embryos from sticking to the shell, ensures even heat distribution and improves hatch rates.
Always handle eggs gently and follow your incubator’s guidelines for the best results during incubation.
How long can you store hatching eggs?
You can store hatching eggs for 10–15 days, and sticking to this storage period increases your chances of success. Make sure to handle eggs carefully—keep them cool at 10–12°C, but never refrigerate them. Proper egg care means letting them rest after transport and bringing them to room temperature before incubation. Do not wash the eggs; the natural cuticle protects them. Exclude eggs that are misshapen, dirty or damaged to ensure the best hatching results.
Conclusion
If you’re ready to begin your hatching journey in Belgium, you have numerous reputable local farms and hatcheries to choose from. Whether you are seeking popular breeds or rare varieties, you’ll find quality eggs and expert advice close by. Simply follow best practices for handling, incubation and care, and you’ll soon have healthy chicks. Remember to check prices, vaccination options and opening hours before purchasing. Good luck with your hatching and best wishes for your new flock!