Egg prices continue to spike as the impact of avian flu leads to severe shortages across the United States, particularly affecting local farmers and breakfast businesses. With egg prices now approaching $9 per dozen—an increase from about $2.80 just last year—consumers are feeling the pinch and turning to alternatives such as backyard chickens.
Farmers like Margie Weber, co-owner of Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery located in California’s Central Valley, are experiencing overwhelming demand. “If the market opens by 7 a.m., we will be sold out by 8 a.m.,” Weber shared, as she and her husband struggle to keep up with requests for their farm-fresh eggs. With the avian flu outbreak resulting in the death of over 20 million egg-laying hens nationwide since early 2022, egg supply has drastically decreased and prices have skyrocketed.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicates over 136 million poultry, including both egg layers and meat birds, have been depopulated since the outbreak began. Commercial egg producers, particularly those located within California’s San Joaquin Valley, have reported significant losses. Just last month, nearly 700,000 hens were killed across various counties as farmers attempted to curb the spread of the virus.
To manage this crisis, farmers are employing strict biosecurity measures. “We just can’t supply enough eggs for the demand right now,” said Weber, highlighting the frantic rush for her products when she sets up her stall at the Vineyard Farmers Market. Meanwhile, fellow egg farmer Willis Higdon, who sells his free-range eggs at farmers' markets, expressed his dilemma on pricing. "People ask me why don’t I raise my prices, and I tell them I like to be able to sleep at night,” he said. Higdon typically sells his eggs for around $9 per dozen—still lower than some retail offerings—but he has decided not to increase prices even as demand surges.
Interestingly, the increase in prices has led to longer waitlists for farm-fresh eggs; one anonymous farmer noted, “I just feel bad for people wanting good quality eggs, but I just don’t have enough for everyone who wants them.” Many farmers are now overrun with calls from consumers desperate to secure their share of eggs.
On the consumer side, the rising cost of eggs is prompting some to seek out alternative sources. Joy Campbell, who uses two to three dozen eggs weekly, shared her frustrations: “It’s really not looking good for the consumers out here right now.” Many individuals have begun to explore keeping chickens as a means of ensuring access to affordable eggs. Maureen Breen, president of Philadelphia Backyard Chickens, noted, “When egg prices go up, people see what I have and they’re like, ‘I should just get my own chickens and I could get cheaper eggs.’” Breen has been inundated with inquiries from potential chicken owners.
Restaurants and cafes, particularly those reliant on eggs for their menus, are also feeling the strain of rising prices. Liz Fleming, co-owner of Ants Pants Cafe, which utilizes hundreds of eggs each week, mentioned, “We raised prices about six months ago, and with eggs continuing the way they’re going, we’ll have to bump up prices again.” This has caused significant concern among restaurant owners attempting to strike a balance between affordability for customers and sustainable business practices.
For many breakfast-centric establishments, rising egg prices mean adjusting offerings. Chef Marc Noll, culinary director at Sabrina’s Cafe, remarked, “We have to take a hit at some point.” Several breakfast items have already seen price adjustments as cafés struggle to cope with the fluctuational costs and consumer expectations. At High Point Cafe, options like quiches have been temporarily removed from the menu as their ingredients become too costly due to supply chain pressures.
With egg prices remaining volatile, the outlook remains uncertain. Experts predict the high costs will persist, and as the egg shortage continues, consumers and producers alike will have to make difficult adjustments. Even as many express concerns about not being able to afford eggs, others are actively considering raising backyard chickens to directly combat their rising grocery bills.
Despite the difficult circumstances, the resilience of farmers and consumers is evident. While the avian flu outbreak has led to unprecedented changes within the food industry, many remain hopeful about maintaining connections with local produce and supporting sustainable practices. For now, as the country grapples with rising egg prices, backyards may soon see more chickens than ever as families take matters literally—and poultry—into their own hands.