The Egg Crisis Continues in the United States, Leading Consumers to Rent Chickens to Obtain This Staple Food. Undoubtedly, eggs are a staple food in many cultures around the world, valued for their culinary versatility and high nutritional content. In recent decades, according to data from Statista, global egg consumption has experienced significant growth. This increase is attributed to greater availability, affordability, and the promotion of its nutritional benefits. Countries such as China, the United States, and Mexico are among the largest consumers and producers of eggs. In particular, Mexico stands out for its high per capita consumption, integrating eggs into a variety of traditional dishes.
According to data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), global egg production has increased by 150 percent over the past three decades. This growth has been particularly significant in Asia, where production has nearly quadrupled.
In Latin America, the poultry industry has also shown remarkable development. Brazil, for example, ranks as the sixth-largest egg producer worldwide, with a production of 55.656 billion units. Mexico, on the other hand, is recognized not only for its production but also for its high per capita consumption, leading globally with 24 kilograms per person.
Consumers renting chickens to get eggs
A video on the social network X showed how consumers in the United States are struggling with the egg crisis, turning to renting chickens to obtain this food.
The footage is a clip from a report by Telemundo 44, explaining how some people are renting chickens as an alternative to buying eggs at supermarkets, where the average price of a dozen large Grade A eggs is around $4.95.
Since late January, it has been reported that in some areas of the country, such as California, prices have reached as high as $8.97 per dozen. This price surge has led supermarkets like Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s to impose limits on the number of eggs customers can purchase, with restrictions ranging from one to three dozen per person.
#NoEsBroma La crisis del huevo es tal en varios lugares de Estados Unidos que rentan gallinas para poder conseguirlos. pic.twitter.com/pjFS1wQd1Y
— ZuritaCarpio (@ZuritaCarpio) February 19, 2025
According to the report, many businesses in the country specialize in renting chickens. “You can receive two or three chickens, a water dish, and the necessary food to keep them and get fresh eggs every day,” the video explains.
The rental cost ranges between $500 and $900, which is approximately 10,500 to 18,900 Mexican pesos, for a six-month period.
This situation arises as the United States faces an unprecedented crisis due to an egg shortage, resulting from a devastating outbreak of avian influenza that has affected the country since 2022. This outbreak has led to the culling of nearly 150 million birds, primarily laying hens, causing a significant supply shortage and a sharp increase in the prices of this essential product.
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