FAQ Chickens: Backyard Chickens and Expensive Eggs Prices!

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Backyard Chickens and Expensive Eggs Prices

What is the average price of a dozen eggs?

The average price of a dozen eggs can vary depending on location and time. As of 2025, the price is higher than usual, with some reports showing prices over $5 per dozen due to factors like inflation, supply chain disruptions, and increased feed costs. However, if you have backyard chickens, you can enjoy fresh chicken eggs from your own homestead at a much lower cost.

What factors affect the price of eggs? And What Makes Expensive Chicken Eggs?

Several factors influence egg prices, including supply chain disruptions, feed prices, labor shortages, and the demand for organic or specialty eggs. For those practicing chicken farming at home, you can avoid these price fluctuations by raising your own egg laying hens in your chicken coop. Factors like bird health, the cost of chicken feed, and climate conditions also play significant roles.

How much was a dozen of eggs in 2012?

In 2012, the price of a dozen eggs was significantly lower, averaging around $1.80. However, prices have steadily risen over the years, due to various factors like inflation and feed costs. Homesteading with your own chickens could have saved you a lot of money during this period, with fresh chicken eggs readily available from your chicken coop.

Why is there an egg shortage?

The egg shortage is often caused by a combination of factors including disease outbreaks, particularly the bird flu, and rising production costs. Additionally, many people are turning to backyard chickens to ensure a steady supply of eggs. For those with a homestead or backyard chickens, the shortage may not be as much of an issue since fresh chicken eggs can be collected regularly from your own hens.

Is the bird flu affecting egg prices?

Yes, the bird flu has had a significant impact on egg prices. Large-scale egg producers have had to cull flocks to contain the virus, leading to reduced egg production and higher prices. However, backyard chickens may not be as affected, and by keeping a few egg laying hens in your chicken coop, you can continue to collect fresh eggs even during these times of shortages.

Why is there an egg shortage today?

Several issues are contributing to the egg shortage, including supply chain disruptions, higher feed costs, and the spread of bird flu. These factors combined are causing both lower supply and higher demand, which in turn raises prices. Those with a homestead and chickens in their backyard are less likely to be affected, as their chickens continue to produce eggs despite market fluctuations.

Does Aldi have eggs?

Yes, Aldi carries a variety of eggs, including conventional, organic, and cage-free options. However, the prices may fluctuate due to ongoing supply and demand issues. For those with backyard chickens, Aldi's prices may seem higher compared to the cost of producing your own eggs on your homestead.

Why are eggs so expensive in 2025?

Egg prices in 2025 are high due to a combination of inflation, increased demand, feed price hikes, and the ongoing impact of bird flu. People who raise chickens at home for their chicken eggs are insulated from these rising costs and can continue to enjoy fresh eggs from their own chicken coop.

Should you refrigerate eggs?

In the United States, eggs should be refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial contamination. However, in countries where eggs are not washed, they can be stored at room temperature. For those with chickens in your backyard, it's important to collect eggs regularly and refrigerate them to maintain their quality.

Who controls the egg prices?

Egg prices are primarily influenced by large-scale producers, supply chain conditions, and the broader agricultural economy. However, market demand, bird health, and feed prices also play a significant role. By raising your own egg laying hens at home, you have more control over the cost of eggs for your homestead.

How long do eggs last?

Fresh eggs typically last about 3-5 weeks when stored in the refrigerator. Eggs from your own chickens can last even longer if stored properly. Always check for freshness by doing the float test or checking the egg's appearance before using it in cooking or baking.

Why are people complaining about egg prices?

People are complaining about egg prices due to the significant increase in cost over the past few years, influenced by factors like inflation, bird flu outbreaks, and rising feed prices. However, for those with backyard chickens, the rising costs of eggs are less of a concern as they can collect fresh eggs every day from their chicken coop.