U.S. Surges Popularity of ‘Chicken’ As Pet Due to soaring Egg Prices

Axios, a U.S. online media, reported on the 15th (local time) that more and more people are raising chickens in their backyard due to soaring egg prices in the U.S. The media quoted the latest data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and reported that 11 million Americans raise chickens in their backyard. Considering that 5.8 million households raised chickens until 2018, the number has doubled in more than six years.

As a result, chickens have become the third most popular pet in the United States. Axios noted, however, that raising chickens yourself instead of buying eggs in the store is highly unlikely to be of any help in terms of cost savings.

Jen Tompkins, co-owner of Rent the Chicken, a company that lends hens to people who want to raise chickens in their backyard and get eggs, said that in spring and autumn, when the weather is mild, you can get your hands on eight to 14 eggs each week if you raise two hens under three years old.

However, it usually costs around $500 to prepare, such as building a chicken farm, and $20 is spent every month for feeding and maintenance. Considering the hard work of cleaning up chicken droppings, even if the price of 12 eggs reached an all-time high of $4.95 as of last month, it may not be an attractive option right now.

Eggs in the U.S. have been soaring since late last year due to the spread of avian influenza. According to the Wall Street Journal, egg prices in the U.S. rose 53 percent year-on-year to 4.95 U.S. dollars per pack (12 A-level) last month. It also surpassed the record high in January 2023 when egg prices soared due to AI.

As egg prices in the United States continue to soar, Axios explained, production costs per egg may be lowered by establishing cooperatives or increasing the number of chickens raised.

Regarding concerns about avian influenza transmission, Tomkins said, “The main source of infection is wild waterfowl, but many of our customers do not wander in the garden,” but advised people to wear exclusive shoes and thoroughly hygiene when entering the chicken coop.

JULIE KIM

US ASIA JOURNAL