Concerned About Getting Eggs? Here's How You Can Rent a Chicken

If you've felt the pinch of skyrocketing egg prices lately, you're not alone. According to the Consumer Price Index, egg prices have surged nearly 37% compared to last year, with the average cost of a dozen reaching $4.15 in December. This price hike has many people wondering: What if I could just grow my own eggs?

But wait, raising chickens at home sounds great—until you think about the work, space, and long-term commitment. What if there was a way to try it out without diving in headfirst? Enter the world of chicken rentals.

In 2013, Phil and Jenn Tompkins launched Rent the Chicken in Freeport, Pennsylvania, offering a service that allows you to enjoy the benefits of fresh eggs without the full-time responsibility. Their solution? Renting hens, coops, feed, and all the essentials for a set period, giving you a taste of backyard chicken ownership.

"Thought of Raising Backyard Chickens? Every Spring, thousands of chickens are sold at local farm supply stores," says Rent the Chicken’s website. "Often, these chickens die before they are ready to start laying eggs (16-30 weeks). Children quickly realize that chicks are not as fun as the Xbox, and parents find out that chickens can not be housebroken. The costs quickly start becoming more and more. Then chickens are 'sent to the farm.'"

Not everyone has the space, time, or know-how to manage a flock of their own, and zoning regulations can make it even more complicated. That's where Rent the Chicken steps in. They provide all the supplies you need—portable coops, feed, and the hens themselves. Their service is ideal for people with yards as small as 10 x 15 feet. And the best part? Your chickens will start laying eggs within days of their arrival.

Here's how it works: you choose a rental package based on the number of chickens you want (two or four) and select your rental period. Whether you're renting for a few months during the warmer season or extending it for half the year, Rent the Chicken handles everything. "We will schedule a date toward the end of your rental to stop by and pick up the rented chickens, coop, and supplies," the company assures. And if you need to go away, no problem! They'll even chicken sit for you at an additional fee.

The rental costs vary depending on your location, but in areas like Los Angeles, you can expect to pay between $695 and $745. Other places, like the greater Baltimore area, might only cost $495. For a relatively small investment, you can enjoy fresh eggs straight from your own backyard without the long-term commitment.

While the rise of avian influenza is a concern, Rent the Chicken provides information on how to keep your chickens safe and healthy. It's a perfect way to experience the joys of egg-laying hens without the heavy responsibilities that come with full-time farming.

So, what’s stopping you? Maybe it's time to rent a chicken and see for yourself just how hard it is to get those eggs from farm to plate. Who knows—this could be the new trend in self-sufficiency, one egg at a time!