With egg prices soaring and egg shortages becoming more common, many consumers are eyeing their backyards as potential egg factories. The allure of fresh eggs each morning has led to a surge in first-time chicken owners hoping to take control of their own egg supply. But before you rush to build a coop and stock up on feed, it’s important to go into it with a clear understanding of what raising backyard chickens really involves.
I say this from experience—after years of raising hens, I had to step back because I wasn’t properly set up for the size of my flock, and life threw some changes my way. Even with all my knowledge, I had to hit pause. We plan to start over eventually, but it was a humbling reminder that chickens aren’t just a quick fix for high egg prices—they’re a real commitment. Backyard chickens can be a fantastic option for fresh eggs, but they come with responsibilities that might not fit every lifestyle. If you’re considering it, knowing what to expect can help you decide if it’s the right move or if sourcing fresh eggs locally might be a better fit.
The Realities of Egg Shortages and Price Increases
Egg shortages and dramatic price increases have become a painful reality for many households. What was once an affordable protein source has transformed into a luxury item in some markets. These shortages stem from various factors, including:
- Supply chain disruptions affecting commercial egg production
- Increased costs of chicken feed and other agricultural inputs
- Outbreaks of avian diseases reducing laying hen populations
- Growing consumer demand for eggs as a versatile, protein-rich food
While the instinct to become self-sufficient is understandable, the rush to backyard chicken keeping as a solution requires careful consideration.
The Hidden Costs of Raising Backyard Chickens
Many prospective chicken owners focus solely on the benefit of “free eggs” without accounting for the substantial investment required to establish and maintain a healthy flock. These hidden costs can quickly add up:
Initial Setup Costs
- Coop construction or purchase ($300-1,000+)
- Fencing and predator protection ($100-500)
- Feeders, waterers, and other equipment ($50-200)
- Chicks or point-of-lay hens ($5-25 per bird)
Ongoing Expenses
- Quality chicken feed ($15-30 per month for a small flock)
- Bedding materials like straw or wood shavings ($10-20 monthly)
- Supplements and grit ($5-15 monthly)
- Veterinary care when needed ($50-100+ per visit)
- Replacement hens as older birds reduce laying ($20-25 per bird)
When calculating the true cost of a dozen eggs from backyard chickens, many new owners are surprised to discover they’re paying premium prices—especially during the first year when setup costs are factored in.
The Time Commitment: More Than Just Collecting Eggs
Raising backyard chickens during egg shortages isn’t just about financial investment—it’s about time. Many first-time chicken keepers underestimate the daily care requirements:
- Daily feeding, watering, and egg collection (15-30 minutes)
- Weekly coop cleaning (30-60 minutes)
- Monthly deep cleaning (2-3 hours)
- Healthcare monitoring and management
- Predator prevention and management
For busy families already stretched thin, these additional responsibilities can become burdensome rather than enjoyable.
The Learning Curve and Knowledge Gap
Successfully raising healthy, productive chickens requires specialized knowledge that many new owners lack. The learning curve can be steep, covering topics such as:
- Chicken health and recognizing signs of illness
- Proper nutrition requirements at different life stages
- Managing seasonal changes in egg production
- Predator identification and prevention
- Local regulations and compliance requirements
Without this knowledge, new chicken keepers often make costly mistakes that affect both their wallets and their birds’ wellbeing. When egg shortages drive impulse purchases of live animals, both the chickens and their owners suffer.
The Reality of Egg Production Cycles
One of the biggest surprises for new chicken owners is discovering that hens don’t lay eggs consistently year-round. During egg shortages, you might be disappointed to learn that:
- Most hens lay fewer eggs or stop completely during winter months
- A hen’s peak production is in her first 1-2 years, after which output gradually declines
- Molting periods (when chickens shed and regrow feathers) can pause egg production for weeks
- Stress factors like predator scares, changes in the flock, or extreme weather affect laying
This means backyard chickens might not provide reliable egg production precisely when egg shortages are most acute and prices are highest.
The Better Alternative: Supporting Local Farmers
Instead of jumping into chicken keeping during egg shortages, consider supporting local farmers who already have the infrastructure, knowledge, and scale to produce eggs efficiently. A great way to find fresh, locally sourced eggs is through the Farmish app, which connects you with nearby farmers and small-scale egg sellers. It’s also worthwhile to check Facebook groups for people selling eggs from their backyard hens. This approach not only saves you the time and effort of managing a flock but also supports your local food system—making it a win-win for both you and your community. Here’s why this option makes sense for most households:
Economic Benefits
- Local farmers can produce eggs at a lower cost per dozen through established systems
- Your financial investment directly supports the local economy and food system
- No need for significant upfront costs or ongoing maintenance expenses
Sustainable Community Relationships
- Building relationships with local farmers creates resilience during egg shortages
- Many small-scale producers offer subscription services or CSA options that guarantee supply
- Farmers may offer bulk discounts that make local eggs competitive with store prices
Environmental Considerations
- Established farms often implement efficient waste management systems
- Professionally managed flocks typically have better biosecurity measures
- Transportation emissions are minimized with local purchasing
By directing your “chicken budget” toward local farmers instead of setting up your own operation, you’re supporting sustainable agriculture while avoiding the pitfalls of novice chicken keeping during egg shortages.
When Backyard Chickens Might Make Sense
Despite the challenges, raising backyard chickens can be appropriate for some households, even during egg shortages. Consider pursuing this path if:
- You’re genuinely interested in chicken keeping as a hobby, not just as a reaction to egg price increases
- You have researched extensively and understand the true costs and commitment
- You have appropriate space that meets local regulations and chicken welfare needs
- You’re prepared for the long-term commitment (chickens can live 5-10+ years)
- You have plans for what to do with hens after their productive laying years
For these households, chicken keeping can be a rewarding experience that goes beyond merely addressing egg shortages.
Making an Informed Decision During Egg Shortages
If you’re still considering backyard chickens as a response to egg shortages and price increases, take these steps before committing:
- Calculate the true cost per dozen eggs, including all setup and ongoing expenses
- Talk with experienced chicken keepers about the realities of daily care
- Research local regulations regarding keeping poultry in your area
- Consider starting with just 3-4 hens to test whether chicken keeping fits your lifestyle
- Explore local farms and markets to see if establishing a relationship with a local producer might better meet your needs
Remember that trends driven by egg shortages often lead to abandoned chickens when people realize the commitment involved. Animal shelters across the country report surges in surrendered chickens following “chicken booms” related to egg price increases.
Thinking Beyond the Shortage
While egg shortages and price increases are undoubtedly challenging for households, backyard chicken keeping isn’t the simple solution many hope for. The hidden costs, time commitment, and specialized knowledge required make it an impractical choice for most families seeking to address short-term egg supply issues.
Instead, building relationships with local farmers offers a more sustainable, practical approach to navigating egg shortages and price hikes without taking on the substantial responsibility of livestock care. These connections strengthen our local food systems and create resilience against future supply disruptions.
If you’re still drawn to chicken keeping after considering all factors, approach it as the significant commitment it is—not just as a reaction to egg shortages. Your chickens—and your wallet—will thank you for the thoughtful consideration.
