Backyard Chickens: A Response to Egg Inflation, But Not a Guaranteed Cost Saver
The soaring price of eggs has sparked a wave of interest in backyard chicken farming across the United States. For many, like Jennifer Johnson, raising chickens is a long-held aspiration finally brought to fruition by the current economic climate. However, experts caution that while the allure of fresh eggs from your own backyard is strong, it’s not a guaranteed path to financial savings.
Jennifer Johnson, a 38-year-old Californian, had dreamed of raising chickens for nearly a decade. The recent surge in egg prices was the final push she needed to convince her husband to embrace the idea. Now, she’s eagerly awaiting the arrival of her eight chicks in mid-March.
"I’m going all in," Johnson said, outlining her preparations. She’s purchased a brooder to house the chicks until they’re ready for their permanent coop and is gathering essential supplies such as food, pest-proof containers, and bedding. Despite her enthusiasm, Johnson is realistic about the financial implications. With an estimated $3,000 in upfront costs, she admits, "realistically, I don’t think keeping chickens will save me money on egg prices. The eggs might as well be gold.”
While the economic benefits may be questionable, Johnson is drawn to other aspects of backyard chicken farming. She envisions building a sense of community by sharing eggs with her neighbors and believes that starting a garden and chicken coop will provide a sense of security amidst concerns about rising food costs. “I figured the best way for me to feel comfortable is to put the chain of supply into my hands,” she explained.
The dramatic rise in egg prices is undeniable. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that a dozen large Grade A eggs cost just under $5 on average in January, roughly double the price from the previous year. This spike, largely attributed to an avian flu outbreak, has prompted many Americans to consider raising their own chickens, even if financial savings are unlikely.
According to a report by the home projects and repairs app Frontdoor, chicken coops were among the most popular DIY projects in the past year, based on Google search data. The trend extends beyond DIY projects, with "rent-a-chicken" programs also reporting a surge in reservations.
Maxwell Mallory, 29, from Missouri, is another example of someone whose interest in raising chickens was accelerated by the egg price hike. “I wanted chickens before the whole egg pricing issue, but I definitely did choose to get them early because of that,” he said.
Mallory and his husband recently moved from the suburbs to the country, providing them with the space to garden and raise chickens. They were drawn to the idea of producing their own food, especially in response to increasing grocery store prices. Their chicks, humorously named Beer, Cerveza, and Shandy, are currently residing in their shower, housed in an empty Corona box. Mallory plans to move them outdoors once the weather warms and their coop is complete.
He also acknowledges the realities of chicken ownership. "It’s more work than you would think," he said. “People talking about them online talk about them as if they just do their thing and then you get eggs eventually. No. It’s five-plus live barnyard animals you have in your house. It’s definitely not simple.”
Despite the allure of backyard eggs, experts emphasize that it’s not a quick or easy way to save money. Dana Zook, an OSU Extension area livestock specialist, points to a backyard chicken budgeting tool from the Oklahoma State University Extension website. This tool factors in costs like feed, bedding, labor, and the average three-year lifespan of a hen to determine potential profitability.
According to the tool, eggs would need to cost $10 per dozen over the next three years for a backyard chicken coop with eight hens to be financially beneficial. "If you’re trying to, in the short term, defray the costs of eggs, it may not be the best option," Zook said. "Egg prices will go down. We’ve just got to get through this tough period.” She forecasts a significant price correction in the egg market.
Zook notes that interest in backyard chickens often rises during times of uncertainty, such as the 2015 bird flu outbreak and the 2020 lockdowns that led to empty grocery shelves. “It’s more than just food production. It’s also a really good project for kids – but it’s not a cheap project,” she said.
Zook estimates that the bare minimum startup costs for eight chicks would be a little over $600. However, she offers suggestions for reducing expenses, such as converting part of a garage into a coop instead of purchasing a new one.
She urges interested individuals to conduct thorough research before acquiring chicks or hens. They should be prepared to invest at least 15 minutes each day in caring for the birds and understand how to provide appropriate food, health care, and other necessities. Additionally, homeowners must verify that their local regulations and homeowners associations permit chicken ownership.
To gain further guidance, Zook recommends contacting local university extension offices. For instance, OSU offers an online course that covers the fundamentals of raising backyard chickens.
In conclusion, while the recent surge in egg prices has undoubtedly fueled interest in backyard chicken farming, it’s important to approach the endeavor with realistic expectations. Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience that provides fresh eggs and a connection to the food supply, but it’s not a guaranteed way to save money. Thorough research, careful planning, and a commitment to the daily care of the birds are essential for success. The rewards may not be purely financial, but for many, the benefits of raising their own chickens are well worth the effort.
