Serenity Knoll Homestead’s Hatchery NPIP Certified. Quality Genetics. Small-Batch Care.
Welcome to Serenity Knoll Homestead’s Hatchery. We are a working farm and dedicated small hatchery located in Templeton, MA. As an NPIP Certified flock, we are committed to the highest standards of poultry health, biosecurity, and breeding excellence. We offer both Day-Old Chicks and Fertile Hatching Eggs from our carefully curated, disease-tested flocks.
Unlike industrial hatcheries that prioritize volume, we operate as a "Small-Batch" Hatchery. We cap our chick production at 80 to 100 chicks per week. This intentional limit allows us to maintain rigorous biosecurity, hand-inspect every chick for vigor, and ensure that our birds receive the individual attention they deserve.
Our "Hatch-to-Order" Philosophy We do not mass-produce chicks for uncertain sales. Instead, our hatching calendar is built entirely around your pre-orders.
Ethical Stewardship: We only set eggs in our incubators that have been reserved by a customer. This ensures every chick hatching has a home waiting for it.
Sustainability: This model prevents overcrowding and eliminates waste, aligning with our commitment to responsible farming.
Welcome to Serenity Knoll Homestead's
Chicken Co-op Hatchery!
March 2026 Hatching Season
Ayam Cemani
The "Lamborghini of Poultry" Available as: Day-Old Chicks ($55) | Hatching Eggs ($65 half dozen/$130 dozen)
Originating from Indonesia, the Ayam Cemani is renowned for its striking, all-black appearance—a rare trait known as fibromelanosis. This genetic hyperpigmentation colors their feathers, skin, muscles, bones, and even internal organs black. At Serenity Knoll, we appreciate their elegance and "mystique." Beyond their aesthetic appeal, our Ayam Cemanis possess a calm and friendly temperament, making them suitable for both breeders and enthusiasts. While they are not the most prolific layers (producing a moderate number of cream-colored eggs), their true value is their rarity and beauty.
Best For: A showstopping centerpiece for your homestead.
Pricing: $55 per chick | $65 (1/2 Dozen Eggs) | $130 (Dozen Eggs)
Black Copper Marans
Imported Champion Bloodlines For those seeking the darkest chocolate-brown eggs, our Black Copper Marans are the gold standard. We are proud to breed exclusively from Imported Champion Bloodline roosters. This superior lineage ensures our flock meets the highest standards of perfection, featuring correct copper feathering, feathered legs, and the deep, rich egg color this French breed is famous for.
Best For: Breeders seeking professional-quality genetics and dark eggs.
Pricing:
Hatching Eggs: $55 (1/2 Doz) | $110 (Doz)
Day-Old Chick: $30
Ameraucanas
The True Blue Layers Add a pop of true blue to your egg carton with our purebred Ameraucanas. Unlike common "Easter Eggers," our flock breeds true for the specific traits that make this bird a homestead favorite: a pea comb for winter frostbite resistance, adorable muffs and beards, and consistent, vibrant blue eggs. They are medium-sized birds with sweet, curious personalities and excellent foraging skills.
Best For: Winter hardiness and consistent blue eggs.
Pricing:
Hatching Eggs: $40 (1/2 Doz) | $80 (Doz)
Day-Old Chick: $25
Olive Eggers
The Green Egg Specialists The Olive Egger is the artist of the flock, created by crossing dark-egg layers with blue-egg layers to produce a bird that lays in shades of sage, army green, and deep olive. Our 2026 flock is bred for both unique egg color and hybrid vigor. These hens are robust, active, and excellent layers. Lavender Olive Eggers with Black Copper Maran Rooster for F2 Olive Eggers.
Best For: Completing the "rainbow" egg basket.
Pricing:
Hatching Eggs: $25 (1/2 Doz) | $45 (Doz)
Day-Old Chick: $10
The Barnyard Mix
Heritage & Hybrid Homesteader's Blend Available as: Day-Old Chicks ($8) | Hatching Eggs ($20/$40)
Our Barnyard Flock is the heart of Serenity Knoll—a vibrant, free-ranging community where our favorite breeds mingle to create robust, high-production hybrids. When you order from this flock, you get "Hybrid Vigor"—chicks that are exceptionally healthy, hardy, and often the best layers in the coop.
Meet the Hens in the Mix: We have selected specific breeds to ensure a balance of beauty, egg color, and production:
6 Jersey Giants: Prized for their massive size and docile nature, these "gentle giants" lay large brown eggs and are incredibly winter-hardy.
6 Olive Eggers: Adding a splash of color to the basket, these hybrids contribute genes for sage and olive-green eggs.
4 Leghorns: Famous worldwide as prolific egg-laying machines, they ensure high production rates of classic white eggs.
3 Ayam Cemanis: Our "mystical" black chickens add a touch of rare beauty and dark features to the gene pool.
2 Golden Laced Wyandottes: Stately birds with shimmering patterned feathers and dependable brown egg production.
2 Sapphire Stars: A high-production hybrid known for excellent laying ability and a calm temperament.
The Classics: Our flock is rounded out by 3 New Hampshire Reds, 1 Rhode Island Red, and 1 Australorp—all famous for their reliability, hardiness, and consistent brown egg laying.
The Roosters (The Sires): The diversity comes from our bachelor group! Your chicks will be sired by:
Leghorn: For high egg production in offspring.
Barred Rock: For friendly temperaments and classic patterns.
Black Copper Maran: Adds dark egg genetics (chocolate/speckled potential).
Ayam Cemani: Adds dark skin/comb traits and a unique look.
What to Expect: A "Homestead Surprise!" You will receive a mix of chick colors, feather types, and egg-laying potentials. These are perfect for the backyard keeper who wants a colorful, low-maintenance flock that fills the egg carton.
Pricing: $8 per chick | $20 (1/2 Dozen Eggs) | $40 (Dozen Eggs)
2026 Hatching Season Information
Pre-Orders Open January 1st! We are excited to announce that our new Self-Help Pre-Order Kiosk will be available right here on this page starting January 1st, 2026.
Please check back then! The Kiosk will allow you to view real-time flock availability and secure your hatch dates instantly.
Important Dates:
Pre-Orders Open: January 1st, 2026 (Check back here to order!)
Hatching Begins: March 1st, 2026 (Farm Pickup Only)
Shipping Begins: May 1st, 2026
A Note on Shipping & Health
NPIP Compliance: All shipments come with the necessary NPIP VS Form 9-3 paperwork, ensuring your birds are healthy and compliant for interstate travel.
Safe Shipping Policy: As a New England farm, we respect the unpredictability of early spring weather. While local customers may pick up orders starting March 1st, we do not ship chicks until May 1st. We will not risk the safety of our birds during volatile spring freezes. We wait until temperatures are stable to ensure your chicks arrive warm, healthy, and thriving.
How the Kiosk Will Work (Coming Jan 1):
Select Your Breeds: Browse our available flocks.
Check Availability: The Kiosk will track our real-time inventory.
Book Your Date: Select a hatch date starting from March 1st (Pickup) or May 1st (Shipping).
Waitlist: If your preferred week is full (we cap at 100 chicks), the Kiosk will offer to add you to our waitlist.
TERMS OF SALE & HATCHERY POLICIES
NPIP Participant #1389
By placing an order with Serenity Knoll Homestead Chicken Co-op Hatchery (online, in-store, or via pre-order), you (“The Buyer”) agree to the following terms and conditions.
1. GENERAL POLICIES (Applies to ALL Customers)
"Straight Run" Only: Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all chicks are sold as "Straight Run" (Unsexed). We do not sex chicks.
Rooster Risk: There is a statistical 50/50 chance of receiving males. The Buyer assumes the risk of receiving roosters.
No Refunds: We do not offer refunds, exchanges, or store credits for roosters.
Bio-Security & No Returns: To maintain our NPIP status (#1389) and protect our flock from diseases (such as Bird Flu or MG), ALL SALES OF LIVE POULTRY AND HATCHING EGGS ARE FINAL.
Once a bird or egg leaves our possession, it cannot be returned to our facility for any reason.
Store Credit Only: In the event of an approved claim (DOA or genetic defect), reimbursements are issued as Store Credit Only. We do not issue cash or credit card refunds.
2. LIVE CHICK GUARANTEE
24-Hour Survivability: We guarantee that chicks will arrive/be picked up healthy and survive the first 24 hours.
Claims Process: If a loss occurs within 24 hours of pickup or delivery, you must:
Take a clear photo of the deceased bird(s).
Email or text us the photo within the 24-hour window.
Resolution: We will issue a Store Credit for the purchase price of the lost bird.
Exclusions: This guarantee does not cover losses due to negligence, improper brooder temperatures, predator attacks, or crushing by other birds. After 24 hours, the health of the bird is the sole responsibility of The Buyer.
3. SHIPPING POLICY (Chicks & Eggs)
Shipping Risks: The Buyer acknowledges that shipping live animals and hatching eggs involves significant risk.
Live Chick Arrival: For shipped chicks, we guarantee 100% Live Arrival. If chicks arrive deceased, you must notify us within 2 hours of pickup from the post office with photographic proof to receive credit.
Hatching Eggs (Warning): Shipped hatching eggs are a gamble.
No Hatch Guarantee: We guarantee eggs are fresh and fertile when packed. However, we CANNOT guarantee hatch rates for shipped eggs.
Transit Damage: Vibration, temperature spikes, and rough handling by the postal service can detach air cells and scramble embryos inside the shell, even if the shell is intact. We do not replace or refund eggs due to poor hatch rates or postal mishandling.
4. PRE-ORDERS & CANCELLATIONS
Estimated Dates: All hatch dates and availability dates are ESTIMATES ONLY. Biology is unpredictable; hens may slow down, or hatches may be smaller than expected. We reserve the right to reschedule your order to the next available hatch date.
Cancellations:
14+ Days Before Hatch: Cancellations are subject to a 20% Administrative Fee. The balance is refunded as Store Credit.
Within 14 Days of Hatch: Orders are "Locked In" for incubation. NO CANCELLATIONS.
Abandonment (Local Pickup):
You will be notified when your order is ready.
Orders must be picked up within 24 hours of notification.
Orders not picked up within 24 hours are considered abandoned and forfeited without refund. (We cannot hold growing chicks indefinitely).
Our First Hatchery Season Begins March 1 st 2026
Join Our Co-op Program 2027 ( Deadline for 2027 Hatching Season Ends November 15 2026) Reserve your Membership spot today!
Are you an individual or a farm looking to sell hatching eggs and chicks? Our Co-op program is perfect for you! For just $10 a year, you can reserve your spot in our hatchery and become a part of our vibrant community. This membership fee not only saves your place in the hatchery lineup but also gives you access to our exclusive members-only webpage. Here, you can schedule drop-off appointments for your hatching eggs or chicks, ensuring a smooth and organized process.
Why Choose Serenity Knoll Homestead's Chicken Co-op Hatchery?
Community Focused: We believe in supporting local farmers and individuals. Our Co-op program is designed to foster collaboration and growth within our community.
Quality Care: Our hatchery is committed to providing the best care for our chicks. From the moment they hatch, they are nurtured in a safe and healthy environment.
Expertise: poultry farming, our team is dedicated to ensuring the highest standards of care and quality.
Customer Loyalty Program: Your membership also adds you to our customer loyalty program for our hatchery and our Chicken Co-op Product store. Earn higher points for your membership and enjoy exclusive benefits and rewards.
Membership Assurance: Your membership ensures that we will purchase all hatching eggs and chicks you have scheduled for delivery throughout the hatching season. Allow us to handle the logistics, while you contribute to expanding the community’s access to a broader selection and greater volume of hatching eggs and chicks.
Get Involved!
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to be a part of Serenity Knoll Homestead's Chicken Co-op Hatchery. Whether you're looking to sell hatching eggs and chicks or simply want to support local farming, our Co-op program is the perfect way to get involved. Join us today and let's hatch a brighter future together!
Our Commitment to health and quality
At Serenity Knoll Homestead, we require that any individual or small farm wishing to sell to our hatchery must have a state-tested flock. This with ensures compliance with rigorous health and biosecurity standards. Our program enforces strict biosecurity protocols, requiring all contributors to meet or exceed state-mandated cleaning and biosecurity measures for their flocks. These standards are essential to maintain the highest quality and health of the birds we provide to our customers. By upholding these requirements, we guarantee that only the best, healthiest stock enters our hatchery, reflecting our commitment to excellence and customer satisfaction.
Anyone interested in joining the Hatchery Co-op program should start here MDAR Poultry Program. Anyone who wants to participate with the Co-op must have flocks that are health tested. all information can be found on their website. we will follow up in a few months with additional information about the Co-op.
Contact us
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