In the face of soaring egg prices and supermarket shortages, Australians are turning to a time-honoured tradition that’s making a remarkable comeback: raising backyard chickens. This isn’t just a quaint hobby; it’s a practical response to a very real problem affecting households across the nation.
Christine Dinas, a veteran in the world of poultry-keeping, has witnessed the resurgence of interest in backyard chickens firsthand. With over 15 years of experience, Dinas operates Aussie Chook Supplies in Melbourne and moderates several online poultry communities. She believes there’s a chicken breed out there for everyone, each with its unique personality. ‘It’s fascinating and incredibly relaxing to watch them scratch around, just watching them do their thing,’ she says.
The appeal of backyard chickens has grown significantly as egg prices have skyrocketed. Businesses like Talking Hens on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula are reporting a 60% increase in enquiries for egg-laying hens compared to last year. Joanne Evans of NSW-based Evans Chickens notes that her sales have doubled over the past five years. ‘People are getting a bit jack of supermarket prices and frustrated with going to the supermarket and not being able to get what they want,’ Evans explains.
The cost-of-egg crisis has hit Australia hard, with avian influenza outbreaks leading to mass chicken culls and a sharp rise in egg prices. A dozen free-range eggs can cost up to $9, and the Australian Bureau of Statistics data shows a 12% increase over the past year, outpacing the broader food category’s 3% increase. This global issue has even led to egg smuggling in the US, as reported by the Wall Street Journal.
ANZ’s executive director of agribusiness insights, Michael Whitehead, cautions that while egg supply is expected to increase by 2025, it may not return to previous levels due to the investment required to rebuild farms and meet new welfare standards. ‘Shoppers may need to adjust their expectations and appreciate the real cost and complexity involved in keeping eggs on the shelf,’ he advises.
Despite the potential financial benefits of keeping backyard chickens, there are costs and considerations to be mindful of. The initial outlay for chickens, a fox-proof coop, fencing, bedding, and ongoing feed costs can add up. There’s also the need for specialist veterinary care and protection against predators and diseases like avian influenza.
Hen providers recommend at least 1 square metre of outdoor space per chicken, with more space preferred. Social creatures, chickens should be bought in groups, which can increase initial costs. Health issues are another concern; a 2022 study found backyard hens’ eggs contained significantly higher lead levels than commercially produced eggs due to soil contamination.
Professor Mark Taylor, lead author of the study and Victoria’s chief environmental scientist suggests that those with high soil lead levels should replace the topsoil. He also encourages Victorians to use the state’s free GardenSafe soil testing program. Additionally, coops should be kept warm and dry to protect chickens from diseases, bacteria, and parasites.
For Dinas and many others, the rewards of keeping backyard chickens are substantial. Not only do they provide a source of fresh eggs with superior flavour and texture, but they also serve as delightful pets with diverse personalities. ‘You have some that are really docile, some that are really cuddly, some that are really bossy,’ Dinas shares. ‘Our youngest daughter is more of a chicken person. We’ve let her experience the hatching process. We’ve got mums and babies wandering around the backyard, and you can hold them in your lap and cuddle them.’
As Australians over 50 look for ways to manage their household budgets and ensure a steady supply of quality food, backyard chickens offer a solution that’s both economical and enriching. It’s a way to beat the egg price hike while reconnecting with the source of our food and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
Have you considered raising backyard chickens, or do you already have your own feathered friends at home? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Whether it’s about the joys of collecting fresh eggs each morning or the unexpected challenges of poultry parenting, we’d love to hear your stories!
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