Backyard Chickens May Seem Like A Solution To The Rising Egg Prices But Experts Say Otherwise

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — I’m sure you’ve noticed egg prices continuing to rise.
Some people have considered combatting the issue by having their own chickens.

In May of 2017, the city of Fargo allowed its residents to keep four chickens in their backyards.
Then the city of Moorhead followed suit in April of 2023 with the allowance of six chickens.
The national average for egg prices sits at $4.15, and in Fargo, prices have reached around $6 per dozen.
So while backyard chickens may seem like a solution to this price crunch, experts say it takes a lot of work to see cheaper results.

“So there are different ways that people can be resourceful and creative and reduce the upfront and ongoing costs. If you go that route that you meet whatever requirements are laid out by the local ordinance is really important,” said Noelle Harden, Health and Nutrition Educator.

Experts say that the average cost for raising a flock of 5 chickens is about $70 a month.