Rent A Chicken

An outbreak of avian influenza, specifically the H5N1 strain, has been impacting poultry farms across the US since 2022, leading to the deaths and culling of millions of chickens (Scientific name: Gallus gallus domesticus). 

To contain the spread of the disease, farmers have been forced to slaughter entire flocks of infected birds, which has drastically reduced the number of egg-laying hens and, consequently, the supply of eggs. 

The shortage of eggs has resulted in record-high prices at grocery stores, with some reports indicating that egg prices have more than doubled in some areas. 

The high prices and shortages have also impacted businesses that rely on eggs, such as bakeries and restaurants, forcing them to either raise prices or reduce egg usage. Some retailers have even started limiting the number of eggs customers can purchase to ensure everyone has access to the available supply. 

While bird flu is the primary driver, other factors like inflation and rising production costs (feed, fuel, labor) have also contributed to the overall increase in food prices, including eggs. 

And, with soaring egg prices, Christine and Brian Templeton of Rent The Chicken in Goffstown, New Hampshire, offer a unique solution – chicken rentals. 

The concept behind Rent The Chicken is simple. The Templetons provide customers with two or four hens, all the feed they need, instructional materials, tutorials, and even phone support. For about $600 for a six-month rental, customers can expect around a dozen eggs per week from two hens. 

The process, the Templetons assure, is easy. 

"You just let them out and walk around and they go in at night on their own, they want to roost up", Brian Templeton said. "Real low maintenance and people really enjoy it".

As egg shortages dominate the news, the Templetons' phone lines have been buzzing with interest from potential customers eager to try out this alternative. Already, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. 

"The majority of everybody who rents loves it", said Brian Templeton. "And a lot of the customers decide they want to have the same birds, they get very attached to their birds. When they come back, we tag them with a colored tag around the ankle, so they can get the same birds back next year". 

What began as an innovative solution to the egg shortage may also lead to new pet ownership for many. Christine Templeton said it is very common for people to grow attached to their chickens and opt to keep the chickens they rented when the six months are up. 

And, egg prices are up 15% in the past month alone, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). Now, the agency plan to spend $1 billion to address the ongoing bird flu crisis. A crisis that Rent The Chicken has avoided so far. While the bird flu continues to affect the larger egg market, the Templetons have managed to keep their flock healthy, regularly testing their chickens.

In a world where people are increasingly concerned about food security and rising prices, Rent The Chicken in Goffstown appears to be offering a sustainable option – one that could also bring a bit of joy to your backyard.

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