Hatch your own eggs
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
One way to deal with an egg shortage: Hatch your own.
Why it matters: When egg prices skyrocket, more Americans consider getting — and even renting — backyard chickens.
By the numbers: 11 million U.S. households have backyard chickens, making chickens the third most popular pet in the country, according to the latest data from the American Pet Products Association.
- That's way more than had backyard chickens in 2018 (5.8 million), per APPA data.
Zoom in: Texas does not prohibit owning backyard chickens, turkeys, ducks or other fowl, but the regulations vary by city.
- Roosters are restricted in Dallas and subject to noise ordinances. Hens are allowed.
- In Fort Worth, residents on ½ acre lots can own up to 12 fowl, including no more than two roosters.
- Plano residents need to apply for a permit to own backyard chickens.
State of play: 2025, similar to 2020, is already shaping up to be a big year for backyard chickens, according to Jenn Tompkins, co-owner of backyard chickens company Rent The Chicken.
- She's taking reservations now across the country for rentals to start in April or May.
Yes, but: Caring for hens instead of buying eggs at the store isn't really a cost-saving strategy.
- It can cost $500 to get a decent coop.
- But, two chickens can yield more than a dozen eggs in a week.
💭 Tasha's thought bubble: I had chickens growing up in Flower Mound. They're great for reducing the bug population, and some will even snuggle with you.
- Nothing compares to fresh eggs — as long as you can handle cleaning the coop.