As egg prices in the United States continue to skyrocket due to the mass culling of poultry affected by bird flu, the administration is encouraging citizens to consider raising chickens in their backyards. The trend is gaining traction, with some companies even offering chicken rental services, allowing families to hire chickens for a period of six months to a year to access fresh eggs without the long-term responsibility of poultry farming.
The Egg Price Surge
Since the outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) was declared in February 2022, over 166 million chickens have been culled to curb the disease. This has led to a drastic increase in egg prices, which rose from an average of $1.93 per dozen in early 2022 to $4.82 by January 2023. Currently, retail prices range from $4.95 to as high as $14 per dozen in major cities like Chicago, New York, and San Francisco.
Government’s Intervention
On February 26, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced a $1 billion comprehensive strategy to mitigate the crisis. This includes:
- $500 million for biosecurity measures to prevent further outbreaks.
- $400 million in financial relief for affected farmers.
- $100 million allocated for vaccine research against HPAI.
Despite these measures, Rollins stated that it may take another three to six months before egg prices stabilize, with a projected 41% price increase in the coming months.
Backyard Chickens: A Viable Alternative?
With rising egg prices, more Americans are looking for alternative ways to secure fresh eggs. Rollins acknowledged this trend, stating, “People are sort of looking around thinking, ‘Wow, well maybe I can get a chicken in my backyard,’ and it’s awesome.”
A new market has also emerged: chicken rental services. Companies like Rent The Chicken offer packages that include 2-4 hens, feed, and care instructions, making it easier for households to rear chickens temporarily. According to CBS News, the demand for such services has grown significantly since October, along with an increase in chicken feed sales.
A Sustainable Solution?
With a healthy hen laying up to five eggs a week, renting chickens or maintaining backyard coops could become a sustainable solution to the ongoing crisis. As the U.S. grapples with the economic and agricultural impact of HPAI, these alternative methods may provide some relief to households struggling with the soaring cost of eggs.
For poultry farmers and businesses, adapting to this shift in consumer behavior could open new opportunities. As always, Eggora remains committed to supporting poultry farmers and providing the latest industry insights.
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