(LOOTPRESS) – Egg prices have surged more than 15% over the past year, with the average cost of a dozen eggs reaching $4.95 in January. The primary cause? A severe bird flu outbreak that has forced poultry farms to euthanize millions of chickens, leading to supply shortages and higher costs for consumers.
With no immediate relief in sight, some Americans are exploring alternative sources for eggs—including raising their own chickens.
Backyard Chickens Gain Popularity
Hatcheries across the country report a significant rise in demand for live chickens as more consumers consider producing eggs at home.
“Sales have gone up dramatically,” said Ron Goldsmith, owner of Mike’s Feed Farm in Riverdale, New Jersey. He noted that sales of chicken feed have more than doubled since October.
In addition to buying chickens, renting hens has also become a trend. Rent The Chicken, a company that provides temporary backyard flocks, has seen an uptick in customers opting for six-month rentals.
However, raising chickens requires careful planning. Author and poultry expert Kathy Shea Mormino, known as “The Chicken Chick,” warns that keeping chickens isn’t for everyone.
“If you travel often or have a demanding job, chickens may not be the best option,” Mormino said. She also urged potential chicken owners to check local laws, as some municipalities have restrictions on coops, flock sizes, and zoning rules.
Is Raising Chickens Cost-Effective?
While having backyard chickens can provide a steady egg supply, experts caution that it’s not necessarily a cheaper option.
- A healthy hen can lay up to five eggs per week, but startup costs—including a coop, feed, and supplies—can run into the thousands of dollars.
- Comparatively, buying a dozen eggs each week at the store costs around $300 per year.
- Seasonal changes, diet, and health can all impact egg production.
“They’re not just PEZ dispensers,” Mormino joked, emphasizing that egg output varies widely based on different factors.
For those looking to cut costs without raising chickens, Good Housekeeping suggests baking substitutes such as:
- Greek yogurt (¼ cup per egg)
- Chickpea liquid (aquafaba), which can also be whipped into an aioli-like spread
Bird Flu Continues to Devastate Poultry Industry
The H5N1 bird flu strain, which has been spreading since 2022, has impacted over 162 million birds across the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Mormino explained that the virus is primarily spread by migratory waterfowl, making backyard flocks vulnerable.
“All it takes is stepping in contaminated droppings at a local pond, and you could bring bird flu home on your shoes,” she said. Rodents can also carry infected material into backyard coops.
Human Cases and Government Response
At least 70 human cases of bird flu have been reported worldwide, with one fatality. The virus has spread through dairy cattle, poultry farms, and other animals, according to CDC data.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to reverse job cuts that affected bird flu response teams. The terminations were part of federal budget reductions made under recommendations from Elon Musk’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The USDA acknowledged the staffing issue in a statement, saying it is working to re-hire experts to combat the ongoing outbreak.
