Washington, D.C. – Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has suggested a unique solution to combat rising egg prices: raise your own chickens. In a recent interview with Fox & Friends Weekend, Rollins encouraged Americans to consider the possibility of keeping backyard chickens as a way to address the escalating costs of eggs. Rollins, who assumed office just last month as part of President Donald Trump’s cabinet, shared that she herself has backyard chickens.
Acknowledging the challenges faced by consumers due to surging egg prices, Rollins outlined a five-part plan in a recent Wall Street Journal op-ed to alleviate the situation, emphasizing the importance of facilitating easier access for families to raise their own chickens. The spike in egg prices has been attributed to recent bird flu outbreaks, which have resulted in the deaths of millions of chickens and prompted producers to cull millions more in an effort to contain the spread of the disease. This reduced poultry population has subsequently led to a decrease in egg production, causing prices to skyrocket and shortages in supermarkets.
According to NerdWallet, egg prices remained relatively stable at under $2 per dozen from 2016 until they began to rise in 2022. By January of this year, the average price per dozen had surged to a record $4.95, up from $4.15 just a month earlier. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has also projected a potential 40% increase in egg prices for the year. Despite these alarming trends, some individuals may be hesitant to embark on backyard chicken farming due to various barriers such as lack of space or local regulations prohibiting livestock ownership.
Experts caution that the financial benefits of raising chickens at home may not be as significant as expected, with calculations suggesting that eggs would need to cost $10 per dozen for three years before the investment in a backyard coop with eight hens would pay off. Despite the potential drawbacks and challenges associated with backyard chicken farming, Rollins’ suggestion has sparked a debate on social media, with critics weighing in on the feasibility and practicality of her proposal.
Overall, Rollins’ unconventional recommendation to address rising egg prices through backyard chicken farming has reignited discussions on alternative solutions to combat the economic impact of the ongoing poultry crisis. The debate continues as consumers grapple with the repercussions of the soaring costs of eggs and explore creative ways to navigate the challenges presented by the current market conditions.