Egg prices are out of control, and some Americans aren’t waiting for the market to fix itself. Instead, they’re renting chickens. Yes, really.
Christine and Brian Templeton, owners of Rent The Chicken in Goffstown, New Hampshire, have built a booming business by letting people borrow hens for a few months. Their customers? Fed-up shoppers unwilling to fork over a small fortune for a carton of eggs.
For around $600, renters get two hens, a coop, and enough feed to last six months. Those birds will lay about a dozen eggs a week, meaning fresh breakfast without the sticker shock at the grocery store.
What started as a quirky idea is quickly turning into a popular alternative. Some renters fall in love with their feathered tenants and decide to keep them permanently. Others just enjoy the convenience of backyard eggs without the long-term commitment.
With supply chain issues and inflation continuing to hit everyday essentials, this isn’t just a fad. It’s a practical way to take control of food costs without relying on supermarket roulette. And given how unpredictable the economy has been, don’t be surprised if “chicken rental” becomes a household term.
Five Fast Facts
- New Hampshire has a long history of poultry farming, dating back to the early 1900s.
- A single hen can lay over 250 eggs in a year under ideal conditions.
- Backyard chicken laws vary widely across the U.S., with some cities banning roosters but allowing hens.
- The record for the most eggs laid by a single chicken in one day is seven.
- Chickens recognize up to 100 different faces, including their human caretakers.
