Rising egg prices and empty shelves are prompting some consumers to take matters into their own hands – literally. Rent the Chicken, a company founded 12 years ago, is now offering customers the chance to rent two egg-laying hens for their backyard.
The service costs around $500 for six months, but Tompkins argues that it’s more about food security than saving money. “We’re solving a problem of food insecurity; of not having eggs on the shelf,” she said.
Customers can schedule a date for the chickens to be delivered and will receive up to 200 pounds of feed, as well as a portable coop, book, and supplies. The homegrown eggs have fewer cholesterol, saturated fat, and more omega three fatty acids compared to store-bought eggs.
According to Tompkins, the chickens can lay around a dozen to two dozen eggs per week depending on the rental package. Customers can also adopt their chickens at the end of the six-month period if they decide to keep them.
As egg prices surge due to the avian flu and supply shortages, Rent the Chicken is filling up quickly with online inquiries. Tompkins warned that demand is high and recommends reserving a spot sooner rather than later.
The company’s efforts come as experts predict another 10-year bird flu outbreak. Egg production has declined significantly in recent years, with over 13% lost since the beginning of 2022. The US is currently facing its worst bird flu outbreak in history.
Source: https://www.foxbusiness.com/lifestyle/egg-customers-crying-fowl-over-empty-shelves-high-prices-can-now-rent-their-own-chickens