This sign was in a New York supermarket in January of this year. Have you seen one like it where you live?
Eggs are scarce these days, and when you can get your hands on a dozen, the price shocks you.
According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the current average cost of a dozen eggs in the U.S. is $4.95. That’s 53% more than a year ago: a wallop to the wallet.
Ordinarily, you wouldn’t think twice about scrambling a couple of eggs, or cracking half a dozen eggs into cake batter, but now eggs are so expensive that people are almost hoarding them. And if you’re paying more for breakfast at the corner café these days, it may be that they’re adding a surcharge for the eggs used.
The rise in the cost of eggs is due to the virulent outbreak of H5N1, a contagious, fatal strain of avian flu that’s killed 140 million egg-laying birds since early 2022 and continues sweeping through American chicken farms. The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports that more than 20 million egg-laying chickens in the U.S. died from avian flu last quarter alone.
Turkeys, ducks and other poultry die in the millions as well, but for the American consumer, it’s about those chicken eggs. 250 million eggs are consumed each day in the country. Where will the eggs come from?
Some are actually smuggling eggs in from Canada and Mexico. But it looks like legitimately imported eggs will come from Turkey. The American Farm Bureau Federation says that the US is looking to import 420 million eggs from there this year. Yet Turkish eggs probably won’t cover the demand.
“While this is enough to offset some productions losses, it won’t provide much support if HPAI (avian flu) continues at its current pace,” said Bernt Nelson, an economist at the American Farm Bureau Federation.
Why not go self-sufficient and raise chickens?
Green Prophet’s Karin Kloosterman raised chickens in her backyard. Read all about it here.
Consider the benefits. Fresh eggs at hand, of course. Even meat, if you’re willing, and raise enough hens. With success, you may cover expenses and even make some money selling surplus eggs, or barter with them. I can see bartering 4 eggs for a bouquet of garden roses, or 12 for an hour of light housework. And there’s the enormous satisfaction in taking charge of your food supply.
Consider also how involving kids in the routine outdoor tasks builds character, as old folks used to say. It’s different from getting an allowance for helping around the house when it’s real, live creatures a kid is helping with. A healthy hen can live 10 or even 15 years, although her egg-laying will taper off after age 5 or so; long enough to become a pet if you allow it.
Chickens don’t need to free range to be happy, healthy and productive. It’s possible to raise chickens even in cities. What you need is a backyard and commitment. A well-built coop and an enclosed run offer protection from predators and the weather, as well as space to nest and run around.
There’s plenty of reliable information about raising backyard chickens on the Net. The University of Minnesota Extension site offers a comprehensive beginner’s guide. Here’s another useful guide from PetMD about what you need to know about raising backyard chickens.
If this strikes a note, do your research before buying a flock of chicks. You’ll need zoning permits and probably, the neighbor’s agreement. Consult local authorities such as your local homeowners association or poultry enthusiasts in your community.
With a well-informed plan in hand, you can go into your home egg production confidently. And beat the market.
Here are some eggy recipes to fire up your chicken-raising ambition:
