As bird flu eases, egg prices moderate—but many are still turning to backyard coop solutions
WASHINGTON: Despite signs of relief in egg prices, Americans are increasingly turning to backyard poultry farming to safeguard their egg supply. A combination of stubbornly high costs and uncertainty in the wake of avian influenza has fueled a nationwide “chicken boom.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), prices for Grade-A large eggs dropped from $3.78 in June to $3.60 in July. Still, they remain 16.4% higher than last year, underscoring how inflation and supply pressures continue to weigh on households.
The primary driver of the surge has been the bird flu outbreak that decimated millions of egg-laying hens across the United States. While cases have slowed, the ripple effects continue, with supply chains only gradually recovering.
Farmers see soaring demand for live chickens
On the ground, the trend is clear: more Americans are raising their own chickens. In Houston, one farmer reported that his poultry sales have doubled or tripled, with more than 100 chickens sold per week, compared to modest sales before the crisis. Similar stories are emerging across the country as families opt for self-reliance over supermarket uncertainty.
Wholesale prices show modest cooling
USDA data indicates that wholesale egg prices are beginning to stabilize. National prices for large white eggs currently range between $2.19 and $2.61 per dozen, suggesting that some relief may trickle down to consumers in the coming months.
Federal response and outlook
In response to the crisis, the USDA has rolled out a $1 billion emergency fund aimed at curbing avian influenza, compensating farmers for losses, and stabilizing food supply chains. Experts, however, caution that rebuilding flocks takes time, and price volatility may linger well into 2026.
A growing backyard movement
For many families, the solution is closer to home. Backyard chicken coops are becoming a suburban and rural fixture, offering not only fresh eggs but also a sense of food security amid economic uncertainty. The “do-it-yourself egg economy” is now a booming trend—and one that could permanently change America’s relationship with its food supply.
