As egg prices in the United States reach unprecedented highs due to a devastating bird flu outbreak, the private sector and government of the US promotes backyard chicken renting as an unconventional solution. With over 166 million chickens culled since 2022 and egg prices doubling from $1.93 to over $5 per dozen in some areas, Americans are seeking alternatives.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and companies like Rent The Chicken are encouraging households to raise hens at home, offering a sustainable way to secure fresh eggs amid the crisis.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins and the US promotes backyard chicken renting, endorsing backyard chicken raising as part of a $1 billion strategy to combat the crisis. Services renting hens for $500-$600 for six months are gaining traction, providing an accessible option for urban and suburban families. With egg costs soaring, many see renting chickens as both a practical and cost-effective workaround.
Bird Flu Drives Egg Price Crisis
The ongoing avian flu outbreak has disrupted the U.S. egg supply, forcing drastic measures and sparking the backyard chicken movement. A resurgence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) has decimated poultry flocks, driving egg shortages and price surges nationwide.
Mass culling impact since February 2022: over 166 million egg-laying hens have been culled to curb HPAI spread, slashing production capacity.
Average egg prices jumped from $1.93 per dozen in early 2022 to $4.82-$5+ by early 2025, a 150%+ increase, per USDA reports. Major egg producers face losses, while some are accused of price gouging, prompting calls for transparency in the concentrated market.
Also Read: How Restoring Bogs Can Help Combat Climate Change Through Carbon Sequestration
USDA Champions Backyard Solutions
Amid criticism of slow federal action, the USDA is promoting self-reliance through backyard poultry as a creative fix. Secretary Brooke Rollins, in a February 26, 2025, announcement, urged families to raise chickens, calling it “awesome” on Fox TV.
A $1 billion USDA plan includes easing regulations on small-scale poultry and exploring egg imports, though backyard efforts are a key focus. Experts note hurdles—local laws often ban livestock, and backyard hens aren’t immune to bird flu, risking further spread.
Chicken Rentals Take Flight
Private companies are capitalizing on the crisis, offering rentable hens as a practical alternative to pricey store-bought eggs. Firms like Rent The Chicken in New Hampshire provide two hens, feed, and support for $600 per six-month period, yielding 3 to 6 eggs daily.
Rentals have surged in 2025, with Pittsburgh’s program and others reporting increased bookings as egg prices hit $10/dozen in some regions. While sustainable, experts say backyard setups may not save money unless egg prices stay above $10/dozen for years, per OSU Extension.
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