As egg prices in the U.S. continue to skyrocket, a surprising suggestion has come from Brooke Rollins, Secretary of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Rollins proposed that Americans facing the burden of expensive eggs could consider raising their own chickens — an idea that has sparked both curiosity and backlash. While it may sound like a quaint and practical solution, experts and those experienced in backyard chicken keeping argue that the reality is far more complicated and costly. This recommendation comes amid rising inflation and ongoing supply chain issues, leaving many wondering if the government is out of touch with the struggles of everyday consumers.
The surge in egg prices began in 2022 and has only worsened due to widespread culling of poultry to combat the spread of avian flu. Despite promises from former President Donald Trump during his 2024 campaign that prices for essentials like groceries would drop swiftly, the cost of eggs has instead risen by more than 24% since the start of his second term. With the average price per dozen climbing from $6.55 to $8.16, frustration among consumers has grown. Trump has since walked back his initial guarantees, admitting that reducing prices would be a far more challenging task than he had suggested on the campaign trail.
In an effort to tackle this crisis, the Trump administration has announced a $1.5 billion plan aimed at improving biosecurity measures, researching potential vaccines, and providing financial support to farmers affected by the avian flu. However, these long-term strategies offer little immediate relief for consumers facing high grocery bills. Rollins herself acknowledged that the administration’s initiatives wouldn’t “erase the problem overnight,” estimating that egg prices might stabilize within three to six months — a far cry from the “come down fast” promise made during Trump’s campaign.
Rollins’s lighthearted suggestion that Americans could ease their financial strain by keeping their own chickens has been met with widespread criticism. Experts quickly pointed out that backyard chicken farming is neither simple nor cheap. Building a proper coop, purchasing feed, and providing veterinary care add up quickly, with some estimates placing the initial investment at around $750 before a single egg is laid. Daniel Laurison, a sociologist and former chicken owner, warned that the cost of maintaining a small flock often exceeds the price of store-bought eggs, especially when factoring in time, effort, and ongoing expenses.
For many Americans, raising chickens is an impractical solution to a systemic issue driven by supply chain disruptions, disease outbreaks, and political missteps. The current egg pricing crisis underscores the need for comprehensive economic policies that prioritize consumer relief rather than offering lighthearted suggestions detached from reality. Until such measures are implemented, families across the country will continue to feel the financial strain — and it’s clear that backyard chicken coops won’t be the answer.