If you’ve wandered down the supermarket aisles lately and found the egg shelves looking a little bare, or noticed the price of a dozen eggs creeping ever higher, you’re not alone.
Across Australia, shoppers are scratching their heads and asking: what’s going on with our eggs? Is this just a blip, or are empty cartons and higher prices here to stay?
Let’s crack open the facts and get to the bottom of Australia’s egg shortage, what’s driving it, and what the future holds for your breakfast fry-up.
Why are eggs in short supply?
The current egg shortage isn’t just a matter of bad luck or a temporary hiccup.
According to industry experts, including Greg Mills—a veteran of more than 15 years in the egg business and a leading voice in poultry welfare—this is a problem that’s been brewing for a while, and it’s likely to stick around.
There are a few key reasons behind the shortage:
1. Transition away from caged eggs
Australia, like many other countries, is moving away from traditional caged-egg production. By 2036, caged eggs will be phased out entirely, following in the footsteps of the UK, Europe, and New Zealand.
Major supermarkets such as Coles and Woolworths have already pledged to stop selling cage eggs, and consumers are voting with their wallets—free-range eggs now make up 60 per cent of supermarket sales.
2. Rising demand
Our population is growing, and more people are turning to eggs as an affordable source of protein, especially as the cost of living rises. This increased demand puts extra pressure on producers to keep up.
3. Avian Influenza outbreaks
Here’s where things get tricky. Free-range hens, which spend time outdoors, are more likely to come into contact with wild birds, especially ducks, that can carry avian influenza (bird flu).
When the virus makes its way into commercial flocks, it can mutate and become highly pathogenic, leading to devastating outbreaks.
When an outbreak is detected, strict biosecurity measures kick in: entire flocks are culled, farms are decontaminated, and restocking can’t begin until the area is declared disease-free. This process can take months, and rebuilding flocks is a slow, expensive process.
The wild duck dilemma
Wild waterfowl, particularly ducks, naturally carry low levels of avian influenza. Free-range chickens, with their outdoor lifestyle, are at greater risk of exposure.
While outbreaks are rare, when they do occur, the consequences are severe—not just for the birds, but for the farmers and the entire supply chain.
A recent study warned that increasing the proportion of free-range farms could significantly raise the risk of avian influenza outbreaks.
And the numbers back this up: while outbreaks were rare in the past, they’ve become more frequent as free-range systems have expanded.
The human cost: what happens to farmers?
For many egg farmers—most of whom run family-owned operations—an outbreak can be devastating. Imagine losing 30,000 hens overnight, being unable to restock for months, and having to lay off staff.
Even when restocking is allowed, sourcing enough young hens (pullets) can be a challenge, and it takes time for flocks to reach full production again.
This isn’t just a business setback; it’s a major blow to livelihoods and rural communities.
Why not just go back to caged eggs?
It’s not that simple. Back in the 1960s, Australia moved to caged systems to ensure a steady, affordable supply of eggs year-round.
Caged hens are less exposed to disease and can be managed more efficiently. But animal welfare concerns have driven a shift back to free-range and barn-raised systems, which allow chickens to express more natural behaviours.
Each system has its pros and cons:
Caged Eggs: Consistent supply, lower disease risk, but animal welfare concerns.
Free-Range Eggs: Better welfare, but higher disease risk and more expensive to produce.
Barn Eggs: A middle ground—indoor, but with more space and freedom for hens.
Ultimately, it comes down to consumer values and choices.
Can anything be done?
The industry is working hard to improve biosecurity, especially on free-range farms. Measures include:
- Reducing flock exposure to wild birds
- Treating water sources
- Restricting the movement of people and equipment between farms
But even with the best precautions, the risk can’t be eliminated entirely.
What does the future hold?
According to Greg Mills and other experts, the current situation may well become the new normal.
The egg industry is finely balanced—just a 1 per cent drop in production can tighten supply, and the recent avian influenza outbreak caused an 8 per cent decrease. There’s no quick fix, and rebuilding takes time.
As we continue the transition to more humane egg production systems, we can expect ongoing fluctuations in supply and price.
For now, shoppers may need to get used to seeing fewer eggs on the shelves—and paying a bit more for them.
Tips for egg lovers
Be Flexible: If your favourite brand or type of egg isn’t available, try another variety—barn eggs, for example, are often overlooked.
Buy Local: Farmers’ markets and local producers may have eggs when supermarkets don’t.
Store Wisely: Eggs keep well in the fridge, so stock up (within reason) when you find them.
Consider Alternatives: If eggs are scarce, there are plenty of egg substitutes for baking and cooking.
Have your say
Have you noticed the egg shortage in your area? Are you happy to pay more for free-range eggs, or do you miss the days of cheap, plentiful caged eggs? How are you coping with the changes? Share your thoughts and tips in the comments below—let’s help each other make the best of a tricky situation!
Also read: Egg shortages lead to a surge in backyard chicken-raising across Australia
