The business of renting chickens is growing due to the egg shortage in the U.S.

The increase in the price of eggs has led consumers in the United States to seek more affordable and sustainable alternatives to ensure this staple product in their diets.

Among those alternatives, chicken rental stands out as an option that is gaining popularity in states like Maryland, Virginia, and Washington D.C., where companies like Rent The Chicken allow interested individuals to rent between one and three laying hens to have a supply of fresh eggs without depending on supermarkets.

The avian flu outbreak severely impacted egg production in the United States, leading to the culling of millions of hens and a decrease in supply. As a result, the price of eggs has reached record levels, forcing consumers and small businesses to reconsider their consumption and production habits.

How the rental of laying hens works

At first glance, it may seem crazy, but the business is growing. The concept of renting laying hens is simple: the company provides customers with a chicken coop containing two or four hens ready to lay eggs, along with feed and guidance on their care.

Homestead Jenn Tompkins, co-founder of Rent The Chicken, pointed out to Telemundo that two hens can produce up to a dozen eggs a week, while four hens produce double that amount.

Despite the fact that the egg crisis has driven this option, many customers choose hen rental more for the peace of mind of having a reliable source of fresh eggs than for economic savings.

The popularity of this business in the U.S.

The company Rent The Chicken began operations in 2013 near Pittsburgh and has expanded into various regions of the U.S. and Canada. Its growth has been remarkable during outbreaks of avian influenza, when consumers seek innovative ways to obtain eggs without relying on conventional distribution chains.

This phenomenon is not only observed in the northeast of the U.S.; in southern Florida, for example, many residents have begun to raise chickens in their own backyards as a way to cope with the high cost of eggs in supermarkets.

Is it profitable to rent chickens?

The rental of chickens in the United States is seen by some as a saving strategy, but the reality is that costs can vary.

While a six-month rental with Rent The Chicken comes at a set price, raising chickens at home requires an initial investment in a chicken coop and feed, but in the long run, it can be a more economical and sustainable option.

Kelly Anderson, a store manager in Florida, explained that the cost of keeping hens can be around $100 a month, including food and basic care. However, it also requires consistent dedication, as these birds need protection from predators and suitable conditions for their development.

Recommendations Before Renting or Raising Chickens

For those interested in this alternative, it is essential to review local regulations, as some cities prohibit the raising of birds in residential areas. Additionally, it is important to have enough space and time for the maintenance of the chickens.

The Cuban influencer Eliecer Ávila recommended on his social media to consider small farms to ensure access to fresh eggs without relying on the market. “My advice is to turn to local producers to ensure quality and savings,” he commented on Instagram.

An alternative to market volatility

The rise in egg prices in recent years has raised concerns among thousands of consumers, leading to increased interest in options such as renting laying hens. However, this trend comes with its challenges, and not all users are equipped to pursue it.

While this business represents a viable and self-sufficient solution to market instability, there are contexts, cities, and neighborhoods where you will never be able to have a chicken. Do not purchase an animal without having the proper conditions and permits to keep it in your yard.

Frequently asked questions about chicken rentals and the egg crisis in the U.S.