How Americans Are Turning to Backyard Chicken Farming to Combat the Nationwide Egg Shortage

Egg prices are hitting new highs due to a bird flu outbreak. Brian Moscogiuri, vice president of Eggs Unlimited, explains that this situation is straining production and driving up costs.

Many Americans face egg shortages in stores. When eggs do appear, they come with steep prices. In January, the cost of eggs jumped by 15.2%, marking the biggest increase since June 2015. This surge accounted for almost two-thirds of the total rise in food prices that month, according to the Labor Department.

Whitney Bissonnette, a chicken breeder from Arkansas, is overwhelmed with requests to buy her chickens. Normally, she gets around 20 to 50 inquiries a day, but that number has doubled due to the bird flu outbreak that started in 2022. She mentioned a wait list for her Bresse chickens is already full, reflecting the booming interest in owning chickens.

Jen Tompkins, co-founder of Rent The Chicken, shares that interest in chicken rentals has surged 500% recently. Her company provides everything people need to raise chickens, including coops and feed. People are investing in chicken coops at a rate 15% to 20% higher than last year as they look for alternative sources of eggs.

Meanwhile, Stephanie Hall in South Carolina has her own farm stand. She reports that she can’t keep up with demand for her eggs. She sells not only chicken eggs but also duck eggs. On a recent morning, she sold out within hours of opening.

Gina Bare from the National Environmental Health Association notes that more families are raising chickens for fresh eggs. This trend promotes local food production and gives families educational opportunities. However, she cautions that raising chickens requires proper care to avoid health risks linked to germs like salmonella and E. coli.

To keep chickens healthy, Bare highlights the need for basic hygiene. Families should maintain distance between their chickens and wild birds and monitor any unusual symptoms in their flocks. Connecting with local vets and extension services can provide helpful guidance for new chicken owners.

Bissonnette emphasizes that raising chickens isn’t easy. It demands consistent effort, including breaking ice in water buckets during winter and ensuring the chickens have enough food and straw. It’s a rewarding but challenging responsibility that requires dedication and a love for animals.

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