Why Are Eggs So Expensive Right Now?

If you’ve been to the grocery store recently, you’ve noticed how expensive eggs have become. What used to be one or two dollars for a carton of eggs is now nearly five or six. Why has this happened? And will the prices ever go down? Read on to learn more:

What’s causing egg prices to rise?

Egg prices are rising because of a recent outbreak of avian flu in chicken flocks across the country. Avian flu is incredibly deadly to chickens, and it can spread like wildfire. It was first detected last year, and it has taken the lives of more than 44 million egg-laying hens.

As a result, with so many hens dying due to this disease, there are fewer hens to produce our eggs. While new chicks are being hatched and raised, it will take time to repopulate our flocks. Not only that, but chicks are susceptible to avian flu as well as various other ailments, making it difficult for farmers to repopulate their flocks.

So, as it goes with a supply-and-demand economy, if there is great demand for a scarce product, the price of that product will go up. Not only that, but farmers are dealing with inflation and increasing prices just like the rest of us. It is becoming more expensive to raise chickens, and thus they need to recoup their losses by increasing the price of their eggs.

Will the prices go down anytime soon?

As of right now, it is hard to say. Prices will drop eventually, but when and by how much is still yet to be determined. Currently, the worst of the avian flu has passed, but it takes time for retail prices to readjust. This is because supply chain issues, productivity, and other factors are still reeling from the impact of the outbreak, just as we’ve seen with the COVID-19 Pandemic.

So, long story short, expect to still pay a hefty price for your eggs for the foreseeable future.

What can you do?

No one likes to pay so much for their everyday products. Almost every American household has a carton of eggs in their fridge. So, what are you to do?

If you want to find cheaper eggs, go to the source. In other words, go directly to the farmers who are raising these chickens. By cutting out the middleman, you’re removing the extra cost that middleman requires to earn a profit. You can do this by going to local farmers’ markets or keeping an eye out for egg stands along the road.

Another option would be to become the source. Owning and raising backyard chickens is not only a great way to get cheaper eggs, but it is also incredibly rewarding.

If you’re looking to raise a backyard flock, start here at Chickens for Backyards. We have plenty of chicken breeds and supplies to help you get started!