A long line of customers waited outside Atascadero Hay and Feed on Friday morning, eager to buy baby chicks. The store has seen an unprecedented surge in demand for chickens, with sales exceeding expectations.
General Manager Nathanael Bourgault attributes the sudden increase to rising egg prices, which have climbed as high as $9 per dozen in some stores. People are looking for alternatives, and raising backyard chickens is becoming a popular option.
The initial shipment of 120 chicks sold out in just 17 minutes, with subsequent shipments selling out even faster. Each week, Bourgault announces the latest chick shipment on Facebook, drawing in customers who arrive as early as 6:45 a.m. to secure a spot in line.
While raising chickens requires an upfront investment, many see it as a long-term solution to high egg costs. According to experts, potential backyard chicken owners should consider factors such as local laws, space requirements, coop size and safety, feeding costs, egg collection, manure management, and vacation planning before making the decision.
Source: https://www.ksby.com/atascadero/rising-egg-prices-drive-demand-for-backyard-flocks