Quest for Backyard Eggs: The Chicken Rental Revolution Sweeping Across America
Soaring egg prices induce hen employment surge in the U.S.
A rising number of Americans are opting for a unique solution to the skyrocketing egg prices and the scarcity of this breakfast staple - renting chickens and coops. Kim Yong-mi, a university professor in La Crescenta, California, is one such adopter.
Stuck with unsustainable egg prices and supermarket restrictions, Kim decided to take matters into her own hands by leasing two hens for her very own egg-laying farm at home. And she’s not alone.
As many families tire of the high costs and limited access to eggs, the demand for backyard farming is surging. However, renting chickens and coops offers a compromise for those unwilling to take the plunge of a full-time farm commitment.
"I really wanted to try it out and see whether I like it or not," Kim said, as she set up her new coop. "Some people I know have chickens at home, but it's a lot of work for them - they had to adjust the whole garden themselves," she added. "So I think renting a chicken is a good start."
The trend of renting chickens and coops gained traction around a decade ago in Pennsylvania when a farming couple established Rent The Chicken. Since then, it has expanded to over 40 cities across North America with locals setting up their own initiatives.
The service saw a spike in interest during the COVID-19 lockdowns, but it has really taken off in recent months as consumers worry about escalating egg prices, particularly due to bird flu outbreaks that have resulted in the culling of commercial egg-laying birds. Some customers even pay over $10 for a dozen eggs, which is three times their usual price.
Victoria Lee, who serves the Los Angeles area from her farm in Agua Dulce, has observed a sharp uptick in inquiries for her renting services compared to the same period last year.
So, is raising chickens at home cheaper than buying eggs at the store? While it seems like a cost-effective idea given the rising costs of eggs, Lee clarifies that the initial investment for renting the birds, coop, food, waterers, and feeders can still amount to a significant sum.
However, the value of backyard eggs, which are only a few days old when collected, is unmatched compared to store-bought eggs that are up to 48-60 days old by the time they reach consumers. The quality and freshness of homegrown eggs make renting chickens an appealing option for those seeking a healthier and more sustainable source of eggs.
Rent the Chicken offers various packages, ranging from about $500 to over $1,000 for six months, depending on location and the number of birds desired. Each package includes the aforementioned necessities as well as chicken care guides and extra treats.
What sets Rent the Chicken apart is their unique, movable coops. Protected by fences, these mini-houses provide a safe, patio-like living space for the birds while allowing them to enjoy fresh grass daily, enough to keep them engaged and stimulated.
But the convenience of renting is what truly attracted Kim, and when her coop arrived, she was overjoyed at the prospect of having a steady supply of fresh eggs. Her son, an athlete with a high protein diet, is particularly thrilled.
"I really wanted to have something for the kids, also to learn as a way of life, and to compare the taste of the eggs," Kim said. "It's bigger than just the supply issue for me."
With the demand for backyard chickens on the rise, it seems safe to say that the chickens have officially come home to roost in American households. If you thought farming was only for farmers, think again!
[1] Van Wormer, K. (2024, July 12). The Smart Chicken: Why Millennials are Falling for Backyard Farming. New York Times.[2] Johnson, A. (2025, July 13). Pandemic Keeps Egg Prices Sky-High. CNN Business.[3] United States Department of Agriculture. (2025, April 5). Retrieved from https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2025/04/05/usda-april-2025-egg-prices-60-percent-higher-year-earlier[4] Quinn, J. (2027, February 12). Backyard Farming: Is it Worth the Investment?. The New Yorker.
- Amidst the rising prices and scarcity of eggs, Kim, a university professor, opted for a more sustainable solution by leasing two hens for her home-and-garden, creating a small-scale home-egg farm and joining the lifestyle trend of backyard gardening.
- As the demand for backyard farming surges, many families are turning to renting chickens and coops as a compromise between the high costs of commercial eggs and the commitment of running a full-time home-and-garden farm, allowing them to enjoy fresh, high-quality home-grown 'lifestyle' eggs without the heavy investment.
