Skyrocketing egg prices drive Sacramento residents to buy chickens

In early 2022, a significant bird flu outbreak led to the deaths of over 20 million egg-laying chickens across the United States. This outbreak considerably impacted egg production, leading to a dramatic increase in egg prices. For instance, the price of eggs reportedly doubled recently, prompting many families to consider raising chickens as a more cost-effective alternative to purchasing eggs. Sacramento residents, in particular, have seen a surge in demand for chicks, with local stores like Western Feed and Pet Supply experiencing rapid sellouts every week. Matt Boyer, the owner of one such store, noted that they receive 200-300 chicks weekly, which are sold within 24 hours. To manage demand and prevent over-purchasing, he has limited sales to ten chicks per person at a price of $8.99 each. However, the efforts to raise these chickens require patience, as chickens do not begin laying eggs until they are about six months old. Nevertheless, families like Madeline Heuer and Daniel Thaure, who have embraced raising chickens, report a rewarding experience, as their birds provide fresh eggs weekly. Their commitment is akin to incorporating the chickens as part of their family. The chickens not only supply a steady egg production but also contribute to backyard composting, enriching the garden. As families get involved, they learn valuable lessons about food sourcing and responsibility in caring for the chickens. The average chicken lays about one egg every 26 hours, making it feasible for families to harvest approximately 250-300 eggs per chicken annually. Michelle Bruhn, a backyard chicken keeper, noted that the key cost associated with raising chickens is managing their housing, or coop. The initial costs for a chicken coop range significantly and can vary depending on construction materials and design, starting from a few hundred dollars to thousands. Additionally, feed and bedding costs also accumulate, which can easily exceed $200 annually depending on the number of chickens kept and feed preferences. Raising chickens requires a considerable time investment, with routine tasks such as gathering eggs and replenishing food needing to be performed multiple times daily. Despite the enjoyment it brings, those interested in starting their chicken flock should first ensure that local regulations permit backyard chickens and determine whether a permit is needed.