Frequently Asked Questions

Product Fit & Sizes

Do your egg cartons fit standard chicken eggs?

We carry multiple carton sizes, grouped by bird type to make it easy to choose the right fit. Our Chicken Egg Cartons are designed for standard chicken eggs. We also offer Bantam & Guinea cartons (ideal for bantam chickens and guinea fowl), Duck & Turkey cartons (best for larger eggs), and two quail cartons sizes—one for standard quail eggs and one for jumbo quail (larger Japanese/Coturnix breeds). If you’re unsure which carton you need, see our Egg Size Guide for a quick fit check.

Will jumbo chicken eggs fit standard chicken cartons?

Sometimes. Jumbo chicken eggs can be a tight fit in standard chicken cartons, especially if the eggs are extra large or have thicker shells. If you regularly pack jumbo eggs, we recommend choosing a carton designed for larger eggs—our Duck & Turkey cartons are often a better fit. For the most accurate match, use our Egg Size Guide.

Do you sell cartons for duck and turkey eggs?

Yes. We offer Duck & Turkey Egg Cartons designed for larger eggs, with a snug fit and added protection during handling and transport.

Do you sell cartons for quail eggs?

Yes. We sell quail egg cartons that fit most common quail breeds (excluding button quail, which are typically too small). Because some Japanese/Coturnix quail lay larger eggs, we offer two quail carton sizes—standard quail cartons and jumbo quail cartons—so you can choose the best fit and protection for your eggs. Browse our Quail Egg Cartons to see the available options.

Materials, Food Safety & Sustainability

Are your paper pulp egg cartons food-safe?

Yes. Our molded paper pulp egg cartons are made for packaging eggs for farm-fresh sales and retail use. They’re commonly used by small farms, homesteads, and egg sellers for everyday egg handling and transport.

Are your cartons recyclable?

Yes. All cartons sold on PoultryCartons.com are made from molded paper pulp and are plastic-free. They’re recyclable where paper pulp/egg cartons are accepted—recycling rules vary by location, so we recommend checking your local guidelines.

Are your cartons compostable?

Yes. Our molded paper pulp cartons are compostable. Composting results vary based on your composting method and local conditions—home compost and municipal programs may have different requirements.

Do you have plastic quail egg cartons?

No. Our focus is molded paper pulp egg cartons. We choose packaging that’s more responsible and sustainable, and we don’t offer plastic quail cartons. We’re always evaluating new materials and packaging options, but our goal is to expand with solutions that reduce long-term waste.

Ordering, Shipping & Pickup

How quickly do you ship / what’s your handling time?

We handle the vast majority of orders the same business day or the next business day. During peak periods or for very large orders, handling time may be slightly longer—if timing is critical, contact us and we’ll confirm the best ship date.

How are cartons packaged for shipping?

Most orders ship packed in sturdy cardboard boxes to protect the cartons in transit. Larger orders may ship as multiple boxes or via freight, depending on quantity and destination.

Do you ship internationally?

Yes. We ship internationally and are happy to quote shipping to your location. We already have customers across North America, Europe, and Australia, and we regularly provide quotes for additional countries and territories. For an accurate quote, send us an inquiry with your shipping address (country/postal code) and the carton type(s) and quantity you’re looking for. International orders may be subject to local duties and taxes.

Do you offer local pickup?

Yes. We offer local pickup from our warehouse in Sanford, North Carolina. To make sure your order is ready, please contact us in advance to schedule the best pickup time.

Do you accept returns?

Yes—on most cartons. We accept returns on most products, with the exception of vintage egg cartons and duck egg cartons. Returned items must be in original condition. To keep our records accurate, you must request a return within 7 days of delivery, and once your return is approved, items must be shipped back within 7 days of the return approval. Customers are responsible for return shipping.

Bulk Orders & Branding

Can I buy egg cartons in bulk or by the pallet?

Yes. We support bulk orders ranging from a couple of pallets up to full container loads, and we can provide freight options for larger shipments. For the best quote, contact us with the carton type(s), quantity, and delivery location. To learn how the process works and how to get started, visit our Bulk Sales page.

Do you offer wholesale pricing, tax-exempt purchasing, or resale certificates?

Yes. Many of our business customers purchase tax-exempt, and we support tax-exempt purchasing where applicable. We also offer wholesale/bulk pricing for qualifying bulk orders. If you’re buying for resale, your state may require a resale certificate (or similar tax-exempt documentation). Contact us with your business info, destination state, and expected quantities and we’ll walk you through the best option.

Can you help with branding?

Yes. Depending on the carton type and your order volume, we can recommend the best branding approach—such as labeling and presentation options. For higher quantities (and select cartons), we can also help with pre-labeled cartons, custom colors, and even custom carton design. Contact us with the carton(s) you’re considering, your quantity, and your goals, and we’ll tell you what’s possible and the best path forward.

Do you offer custom printing or labeling services?

Yes—on qualifying bulk orders. We offer cartons that are well-suited for labeling, and for select cartons at higher quantities we can support custom labeling and printing, including your logo. Printing options can include single-color or multi-color designs depending on the carton and volume. Tell us the carton you want, your quantity, and what you want printed, and we’ll outline options and next steps.

Handling & Storage

How do I separate cartons that are stuck together after shipping?

This can happen occasionally with our vintage egg cartons due to their heavier pulp and tighter nesting. If vintage cartons feel stuck together after shipping, separate them by gripping the bottom egg cell and the divider between eggs, working cell-by-cell. Avoid pulling from the sides, which can tear the carton. Our other molded pulp cartons are designed and packed to denest cleanly, and you generally should not see this issue with our standard cartons. We also have a quick video showing manual denesting.

Company & Community

What is so special about your egg cartons?

Four things set our egg cartons apart:

  1. Eco-friendly materials – Our cartons are molded paper pulp (not plastic) and are made from recycled material.
  2. Sized for the birds you raise – We carry multiple carton sizes grouped by bird type (chicken, bantam/guinea, duck/turkey, and quail) so your eggs get a proper fit and protection.
  3. They stand out – We offer one of the widest selections of colors and styles, so your cartons look great for farm sales, gifting, and retail display.
  4. Affordable at any scale – Whether you’re buying a small quantity or ordering in bulk, we aim to keep pricing competitive without sacrificing quality.

And when it’s time to dispose of them: paper pulp cartons are recyclable where accepted, and they’re also compostable—a more responsible end-of-life option than plastic.

Are you on social media?

Yes! We’d love to connect with you—customers, farms, and business partners. You can find us on Facebook and Instagram at @PoultryCartons. And if social media isn’t your thing, no problem—we’re always happy to connect by email, too.

What do you do with your damaged egg cartons?

We don’t ship damaged cartons. Every order goes through a quick quality check before it leaves our warehouse, because we want customers to receive cartons we’d be happy to get ourselves. Since paper pulp packaging can occasionally get scuffed or bent during handling, we do end up with some damaged cartons. When we can, we donate them to local schools and educators for STEM projects and arts & crafts instead of simply sending everything straight to recycling.