Egg Prices Climb as Locals Consider Backyard Poultry; Experts Recommend Careful Planning

With egg prices on the rise, many households are considering raising their own chickens to cut costs. However, poultry experts warn that keeping a flock requires significant time, effort, and financial investment.

Brian Coleman, a seasoned poultry farmer from Callao, Missouri, has been raising chickens since 2012. He advises beginners to ensure they have a secure roosting structure, a nesting box system, a reliable feeding and watering system, and predator protection measures before starting.

Additionally, new chicken owners should not expect an immediate egg surplus. Coleman explains, "Not every chicken lays an egg every day. Their prime laying period lasts about four to five months, producing five to six eggs weekly, after which production slows."

For those buying chicks from farm stores, patience is essential. Zac Erwin, a Livestock Specialist with the University of Missouri Extension, explains that it takes 18 to 20 weeks for a chick to mature into an egg-laying hen. Meanwhile, an adult chicken consumes about half a pound of feed per day, adding to the overall cost.

Despite the financial and time commitment, raising chickens can be rewarding, especially for youth or 4-H participants. However, Erwin advises that if the motivation is purely financial, prospective owners should carefully evaluate whether the costs truly outweigh the savings.

Both experts encourage thorough research before starting a flock, ensuring owners are fully prepared for the responsibilities that come with raising backyard chickens.