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In recent months, the United States has seen a surprising trend: eggs have become more expensive than chicken meat. This unusual situation has puzzled both consumers and experts.
The main reason for high egg prices is a severe outbreak of bird flu. This disease has killed millions of egg-laying hens across different states. Because of this, there are fewer hens to lay eggs, causing a shortage in the market. As a result, egg prices have gone up sharply.
In January, the price of a dozen large eggs reached $4.95, compared to $4.15 in December. Grocery stores, which earlier kept egg prices low to attract customers, have now increased their prices due to the shortage. Many supermarkets have also placed buying limits on eggs.
While egg prices have gone up, chicken meat prices have stayed the same. This is because chickens raised for meat, called broilers, are not affected as much by bird flu. These chickens grow fast and are usually sold within seven weeks. Their short lifespan means they have less chance of getting infected by the virus. This has helped maintain a steady supply of chicken meat in the market.
With the high price of eggs, many people are thinking about raising their own chickens at home. Hatcheries across the country have reported a rise in demand for chicks. However, experts warn that backyard farming is not easy. It requires a lot of care, proper housing, and regular feeding. Setting up a coop can cost between $200 and $2,000. Additionally, bird flu remains a serious risk for backyard farms as well.
This price difference between eggs and chicken meat has affected many people. Households that rely on eggs as a cheap source of protein are struggling with higher grocery bills. Restaurants and bakeries are also facing difficulties due to the rising costs of eggs.
The situation has also highlighted how diseases like bird flu can disrupt the food supply. It shows the need for better safety measures in poultry farming and the importance of supporting small-scale farms.
It is unclear how long this situation will last. The egg supply will only improve when more hens are raised and the bird flu is controlled. Until then, people in the U.S. may have to adjust their shopping habits and look for other alternatives to eggs.