Backyard Chickens: The Proven Solution to Rising Egg Prices and Food Security

backyard chickens: the solution to rising egg prices ?

This past year has not been beneficial for egg consumers. Avian flu, supply chain disruptions, and inflation have all contributed to the rise in egg prices. Since eggs are such a big part of (most) of our diets, families are looking for other alternatives and solutions. Backyard chickens could be the answer if you’re looking for a long-term solution and food security. You also get the rewards of fresh eggs and a fun hobby for you and your family.

Why Are Egg Prices So High?

Here’s some of the reasons you’re seeing a rise in egg prices:

Inflation: General economic inflation has led to higher costs for feed, transportation, and labor.
Avian Flu: Widespread infections have led to the culling of millions of egg-laying hens, reducing supply.
Supply Chain Disruptions: The costs of feed, fuel, and processing are rising, making egg production more expensive.
Consumer Demand: Fluctuating demand and production issues contribute to unpredictable egg prices.

With the uncertainty of rising food costs, understandably people are looking elsewhere for food security. I have my own flock, and it’s been great to supply my family and neighbours with reliable and healthy eggs.

Benefits To Raising Backyard Chickens

Chickens offer many benefits beyond fresh eggs daily (I barely eat eggs, and I love having chickens around).

Cost Savings: While there are start-up costs to any investment, having fresh eggs can save you money in the long run.
Healthier Eggs: Eggs that are produced by backyard chickens tend to be healthier and fresher because they’re better cared for than chickens in factory settings. The amount of care and attention you put into your chickens will be reflected in their eggs. Their eggs will have higher omega-3s, deeper-colored yolks, and no artificial additives.
Sustainability: Chickens help reduce food waste by eating kitchen scraps and producing nutrient-rich manure for gardening.
Security: Reducing reliance on store-bought eggs provides food security, especially in uncertain economic times.
Fun and Educational: Raising chickens can be a rewarding hobby for both adults and children, teaching responsibility and sustainable living.
A Source of Income: If you decide to expand and have more chickens, you could sell your eggs. This could bring in some extra money, even if it’s to cover the costs of feed.

How To Get Started With Backyard Chickens

I have a lot of great posts on here about chickens but I’ll include a couple below to get started:

Things You Need To Know Immediately Before Getting Backyard Chickens – The basics to get started.

Ultimate Guide You Need To Read Before Raising Baby Chicks – If you decide to start with chicks.

How To Keep Chickens Healthy and Increase Egg Production – Maintenance for your existing flock.

The 10 Best Chicken Breeds For Kids Right Now – These chickens are gentle and friendly if you have kids, but they’re also great beginner breeds. I’ve also included the amount of eggs to expect per year for each bird.

Cost Breakdown: Is Raising Chickens The Solution To Egg Prices?

The initial costs of chickens can be high, but they pay for themselves in the long run.

Upfront Costs: This will be their coop and run. Now this can cost as much or little as you’d like. If you or someone you know can build one, you can find materials for cheap or free. There are lots of people who build out of pallets, and those things are everywhere. Here’s a tutorial if you’d like to try your hand at it. If you decide to buy you could be looking at anywhere from 300-2000$ CAD. (If you do go this route, you can always check out Kijiji or Craigslist).
Ongoing Costs: This will be their bedding, feed, water, supplements and, if you decide to, vet them. I don’t personally use a vet for my birds; everything that I’ve come across I’ve been able to remedy at home with herbs.
Break-Even Point: Depending on costs and egg production, many backyard chicken owners break even within a year or two.
Money Saving Tips: Build a DIY coop, supplement feed with kitchen scraps, and allow chickens to free-range to lower costs. If you decide to get savvy, you could get into growing your feed for chickens or get into fermenting their food to save money. I’ll include some articles below.

Fermenting Chicken Feed To Save Money
Growing Chicken Feed With Any Space
Raising Mealworms For Chickens

Navigating Challenges

With everything, there can be set-backs and challenges. Here’s some of them and how to deal with them:

Local Regulations: Some areas have zoning laws against backyard chickens, so always check first.
Predators: Foxes, raccoons, and hawks can be a threat; a secure coop and fencing are essential. Here’s a good video on tips and tricks.
Seasonal Egg Production: Chickens lay fewer eggs in winter, but supplemental lighting can help maintain production.
Time Commitment: Daily feeding, cleaning, and care take time, so make sure you’re ready for the responsibility.

Maximizing Your Flock For Self-Sufficiency

Sell Extra Eggs: I said this above but this really is a great idea if you want to earn some extra money. The money I get from my hens cover food costs and bedding.
Use Chicken Manure For Gardening: Chicken manure is a fantastic natural fertilizer for vegetables and plants.
Raise Dual-Purpose Breeds: Some chickens provide both eggs and meat, adding even more value to your homestead.
Expand to Other Livestock: Chickens are like gateway livestock. Getting chickens turns into well mayybee we could get a few ducks, and then goats and all of a sudden you have a full-blown hobby farm. What I’m trying to say is chickens are a great first step into homesteading. When you get comfortable with them you can also expand to ducks, goats, or bees for more self-sufficiency.

Backyard chickens are a great opportunity for you and your family to become more self-reliant. Having a flock of your own can also add peace of mind, especially with the rise in egg prices. I hope my information on chickens helped you feel more secure to take a great step toward food independence. I have lots of information on chickens and other self-sufficiency topics on my blog (and more to come), so I hope you check it out!

Are you considering starting your backyard flock? Share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!