As egg prices soar, so does interest in backyard chicken rentals
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One way to deal with the egg shortage: backyard chickens.
Why it matters: When egg prices skyrocket, more Americans consider getting — and even renting — their own chickens.
Bradley Wood, aka Farmer Brad, said he's seen an uptick in interest in his chicken rental service this year.
- Based in rural Wayne County, Wood told Axios he delivers most of his rentals in the Indianapolis area.
- Available for three- or six-month periods, Wood's service includes a coop, food, automatic waterer, educational materials and four egg-laying hens — all of which he delivers and sets up.
What he's saying: "I want to provide a complete solution … everything they need to set them up for success," Wood said. "The goal is to have fresh eggs on the first day of the rental."
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 in 2018 (5.8 million), per APPA data.
Reality check: Backyard chickens don't mean cheaper eggs, even with rising grocery prices.
- The initial investment and cost to keep chickens fed and watered generally ends up being more expensive than buying eggs at the store.
- "Typically, you don't do it for cheaper eggs," Wood said. "It's about knowing what's going into your chickens."
- Wood provides non-GMO feed to renters. Plus, you know exactly where your eggs are coming from and how the birds are being treated.
Cost: Wood's three-month package costs $600; six months is $750.
The fine print: For six-month rentals, there is a buyout option for renters who end up wanting to keep their chickens.
- There is a $25 replacement fee for chickens lost to predators or other causes.
Threat level: As for bird flu concerns, Wood said small flocks are a key way to fight against the virus that's been spreading from wild birds to commercial poultry operations and led to culling of large flocks.
- "Putting chickens in people's backyards is a good way of sustaining them," he said.
- More than 6 million birds have been affected in Indiana, though no cases have been identified in Marion County.
Between the lines: Regulations on backyard chickens vary across municipalities and HOAs.
- Indianapolis allows households to keep up to 12 chickens.