Live birds are only shipped via USPS Express Priority Mail or Priority mail which is the fastest available shipping option from USPS. Because adult birds can overheat in transit, they are only shipped in the cooler months. We raise birds to 6 weeks old to have adequate fat reserves for traveling. We also evaluate each bird individually for physical issues and overall vitality to make sure they are good candidates for the shipping process and likely to thrive in their new homes.  We cannot include food or water in the shipping box, so the birds are allowed free access to food and water until the day they are shipped. We never package birds ahead of their ship date. Shipping is stressful for the birds and it is normal to have to provide special care within the first 72 hours to help the birds recover from the shipping process. We want your birds to have the best start possible in their new homes. Because nearly every bird survives the journey, we proudly offer a 72 hour live guarantee for all shipped quail.