By Jamie Martin
As egg prices soar across the country, many people are considering raising backyard chickens to save money. However, experts warn that it might not be as cost-effective as it seems.
Dr. Tom Tabler, a poultry specialist at the University of Tennessee's Institute of Agriculture, explained that while raising chickens is rewarding, it comes with many expenses. “A chicken is not going to lay eggs till she becomes sexually mature, and that's going to be - depending on what breed of chicken that is - that's going to be somewhere between about 19 weeks of age and 24 weeks of age,” he said.
This means that if you start with baby chicks, you will need to wait about six months before you see any eggs. Plus, raising chickens requires buying feed, building coops, and ensuring proper healthcare.
Tabler also advised those buying adult chickens to ensure they are disease-free by purchasing from sellers certified by the National Poultry Improvement Plan.
Egg prices have remained high due to the deadly bird flu outbreak, which has killed about 168 million birds since 2022. Around 100 million were egg-laying hens, with major losses occurring between October 2024 and February 2025.
"I really don't expect egg prices to seriously come down until maybe next year at the earliest," Tabler added, noting it will take time to rebuild the lost flocks.
Currently, there is no vaccine for bird flu, although companies are working on developing one. In the meantime, keeping birds isolated, limiting human contact, and maintaining sanitary conditions remain crucial defenses.
Experts emphasize that while backyard chickens can be fulfilling, they are not likely to ease the financial burden caused by rising egg prices anytime soon.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-chubarovy
Categories: National