Jennifer Johnson has dreamed of raising chickens for almost ten years. Early this February, after egg prices skyrocketed, she finally convinced her husband to get a backyard coop.
She’s excited and is preparing for the arrival of eight chicks in mid-March. Jennifer has bought a brooder to keep the chicks safe until they are ready for the coop, and she’s gathering everything they need: food, bedding, and containers to keep pests out.
However, she estimates it will cost around $3,000 initially. “In truth, I don’t think keeping chickens will save me money on eggs,” said Johnson, 38, from California. With current prices, “the eggs might as well be gold.”
Experts suggest that raising chickens is unlikely to save most people money, especially during this spike in egg prices. But for Jennifer, the investment feels worthwhile. She looks forward to sharing fresh eggs with her neighbors and feels more secure about her food supply amidst rising food costs.
“I figured the best way to feel comfortable is to take control of my food source,” she explained.
Egg prices have roughly doubled in the past year, thanks in part to an avian flu outbreak. As of January, a dozen large Grade A eggs costs nearly $5 on average, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This price surge has prompted many Americans to consider raising their own chickens, even if the move isn’t likely to save them significant money.
Last year, building chicken coops became a popular DIY project. Many people turned to rent-a-chicken programs, which have seen an increase in bookings. Maxwell Mallory, 29, is among those who decided to start raising chickens because of the rising costs. He ordered chicks after years of contemplating the decision.
“I always wanted chickens, but I jumped at the chance to get them because of the egg price issue,” he shared. Mallory and his husband recently moved to a rural area where they have enough space to garden and raise chickens. They wanted to grow their own food in response to rising grocery prices.
Their chicks, named Beer, Cerveza, and Shandy, are currently living in their shower until their coop is ready. “It’s more work than I thought,” he admitted. Raising chickens is not as simple as some make it sound.
Raising chickens can seem appealing due to high egg prices, but a backyard coop won’t necessarily be an easy financial solution. According to experts, it takes significant investment and time. A tool from Oklahoma State University helps potential chicken owners budget for important costs, like feed and care, to see if raising chickens is worth it. For instance, to break even, egg prices would need to soar to $10 per dozen over the next three years.
Even with expected egg price hikes, Zook, an OSU livestock specialist, said it’s not a guaranteed money-saving choice. “If you’re looking to cut costs on eggs in the short term, it may not be the best option,” she explained. “Egg prices will go down; we just have to weather this period.”
Despite the costs, interest in backyard chickens continues to grow. This trend picked up in 2015 and surged again during lockdowns when grocery shelves were sometimes empty. Raising chickens offers more than just a food source; it can also serve as a fun project, especially for kids. However, it’s not without financial responsibility.
Starting costs can be over $600 for eight chicks. Finding ways to save, like converting part of a garage into a coop, can make chicken-keeping more affordable. Zook recommends researching local regulations, as laws about chicken ownership vary from place to place.
For those interested, local universities often provide resources. OSU, for instance, offers an online course about raising chickens.
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