Backyard Egg Production Gains Momentum: The Rise of Renting Chickens and Coops
Skyrocketing egg prices lead to increased demand for hen employment in the United States
Over the past decade, an intriguing trend has emerged in American households - renting chickens and coops for egg production. This movement has snowballed in popularity, fueled by various factors ranging from environmental consciousness to economic benefits.
Against the backdrop of sky-high egg prices and supermarket rationing, Kim Yong-mi, a university professor in southern California, made the decision to secure her own egg supply by renting some hens. As many people pondered theidea of backyard farming, Kim found the perfect solution: rental henhouses complete with egg-laying birds.
"I really want to give it a shot and see if I like it or not," shared Kim, as she welcomed her two rental chickens. Many of her friends had chickens at home, but found the maintenance to be a labor-intensive endeavor. For those not ready to take the plunge permanently, renting chickens seemed like an ideal entry point.
The concept of renting hens first gained traction about a decade ago in Pennsylvania, when a farming couple launched Rent The Chicken. Since then, the initiative has expanded to more than 40 cities across North America, with local farmers setting up offshoots of their own.
Interest in renting chickens surged during COVID-19 lockdowns, as people looked for new hobbies to keep busy at home. However, the recent months have seen an unprecedented spike due to escalating egg prices, a result of bird flu outbreaks leading to massive culls of egg-laying birds.
According to Victoria Lee, who serves the Los Angeles region, inquiries about renting chickens have increased three to four times compared to the same period last year. For some consumers, shelling out over $10 for a dozen eggs - and up to three times their normal price - has become standard, with supermarkets limiting egg purchases to a daily limit per shopper.
While raising chickens at home is not necessarily cheaper than buying eggs from the store, it offers a sense of quality and control. As eggs age, the protein begins to break down, compromising their nutritional value. Backyard eggs, on the other hand, are as fresh as the day they were laid.
Rent the Chicken offers various packages starting from about $500 to over $1,000 for six months, depending on location and the number of birds desired. Packages typically include the birds, food, waterers, feeders, additional treats, and a chicken care guide. The most striking feature is the moveable, predator-proof coop resembling a mini house, equipped with a "patio" and complete with fences.
The convenience of renting a chicken-proof coop won Kim over, a university professor living in La Crescenta, just outside Los Angeles. Learning about the recent surge in egg prices prompted her to explore rental options, but she admits that it's more than just saving a buck.
"It's not just about the egg crisis. I want to give my kids something special, and I'm keen to learn about this way of life and compare the taste of the eggs."
Enrichment Data - The Sustainable Living Movement: As consumers grow more environmentally conscious, they seek ways to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace sustainable practices. Renting chickens allows families to produce their own eggs locally, reducing reliance on industrial agriculture and fostering a sense of community.
- Urban Homesteading and Backyard Farming: The rise of urban homesteading has led many to explore backyard farming options, where renting chickens fits as a cost-effective and low-commitment approach to raising poultry and eggs.
- Legalization and Zoning Changes: Over the past decade, many cities and municipalities have relaxed zoning laws to permit backyard chickens, making it easier for residents to engage in small-scale poultry keeping.
- Educational and Cultural Influence: Educational programs and cultural influences focusing on self-sufficiency, organic gardening, and farm-to-table practices have encouraged more people to engage with local food production.
- Economic Benefits and Accessibility: Renting chickens offers an economical alternative to purchasing them outright, allowing more people to participate in backyard egg production without significant upfront costs. This model also provides flexibility, as renters can opt-out if they find it not suitable for their lifestyle.
- Kim Yong-mi, in light of escalating egg prices and supermarket rationing, decided to rent some chickens for a self-sustained egg supply, finding it an ideal solution for those not ready to commit fully to backyard farming.
- Renting chickens has experienced a significant surge in popularity due to factors like COVID-19 lockdowns and recent bird flu outbreaks causing massive egg shortages and high prices.
- As more people turn to renting hens to produce fresh eggs, the movement helps foster a sense of community and promotes sustainable living by reducing the reliance on industrial agriculture.
- Renting chickens, such as the packages offered by Rent The Chicken, provides an affordable and low-commitment means of engaging in backyard poultry farming and reaping the benefits of locally produced eggs.
